** Tony Dean, SD Hunter, Fisher, Broadcaster dies

Some not good news from Pat Powers SD War College Blog:
Dakota War College-- Tony Dean Passes Away
 I guess I only really talked to Tony Dean a couple of times and he posted a comment or two here at Dakota Today. I'm no hunter or fisherman, but Tony Dean made stories about hunting and fishing interesting and he had a sensible position on tree-hugging and guns, etc. Seemed like a gentleman too. Sure he will be missed. Guess a photo of fallen leaves signals an ending of a kind. **Stay tuned anyway--- Doug Wiken

Comments

[Chuck Clayton]

Thought you might want to post this as a way we can help Tony's family reach their goal.

Tony Dean’s Memorial Acres

A fund has been established to provide a fitting memorial for a well known South Dakotan who fought tirelessly for sportsmen and natural resource conservation.

Veteran outdoor communicator and conservation leader Tony Dean of Pierre died October 19th, 2008. Dean’s family and friends are now teaming up with the South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation to provide a way for people to contribute to a memorial fund which will continue his legacy. The fund will be used to purchase land in South Dakota. The land will become a wildlife management area, provide public outdoor recreation, and carry on Tony Dean’s commitment to environmental education. A Memorial Fundraising Committee has been established and is working closely with major conservation organizations to design a project that will form partnerships to honor Tony’s long time dedication to South Dakota’s natural resources.

Tony produced the award winning Tony Dean Outdoors TV show as well as Dakota Backroads Radio for over 20 years. He also wrote articles and columns for many regional publications. He tried to educate his audience and readers about threats to the environment and habitats, and he urged them to become active in enhancing the opportunities for hunters and anglers.

“Tony always wanted the average person to be able to enjoy the great outdoors,” said Tony’s wife Dar. “We hope the people who enjoyed Tony’s shows and writing will step up and enable us to do this for him.”

Former South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Secretary John Cooper, Co-Chair of the Fundraising Committee, was a long time friend of Tony Dean. “Tony fought to protect wetlands, grasslands, clean air and water,” Cooper said. “He worked to ensure that people will always have a place to fish, hunt, learn about and enjoy everything nature has to offer, so this is a very appropriate way to honor the commitment Tony had both to conservation efforts and to enhancing opportunities for public recreation.”

A Tony Dean’s Acres Memorial Fund has been established through the South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation, to allow individuals, businesses and organizations to make tax deductible contributions to the fund. Contributions payable to Tony Dean’s Acres Memorial may be sent to:

South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation
Tony Dean’s Acres Memorial
523 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501

Or credit card donations may be made via the Parks and Wildlife website: www.parkswildlifefoundation.org

For more information, email info@TonyDeansAcres.com.