Tony Dean was an outdoor enthusiast, a conservationist, a broadcaster, and a writer, with hopes and dreams for projects that would help preserve and enhance public recreation opportunities for everyone.
This website is dedicated to Tony Dean's memory and to the things he loved. It also serves as the headquarters for the campaign currently underway to raise funds to establish a public recreation area in his memory, to be called Tony Dean's Acres.
Following Tony's death in October of 2008, the Tony Dean's Acres Steering Committee established a goal of raising $100,000 within 18 months. Thanks to several successful fundraising events, as well as an outpouring of support from generous donors from across the country, that goal was surpassed in the first twelve months of fundraising. Having successfully completed the first phase of the project, we are now laying the groundwork for land acquisition, and raising funds for youth environmental education.
Tony Dean Inducted Into South Dakota Hall of Fame
Tony Dean was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame on September 10, 2011. He was one of fourteen people so honored this year.
Tony's wife Dar and longtime friend John Cooper (former Secretary of the South Dakota Game Fish and Parks Department), accepted the award on Tony's behalf at a dinner attended by hundreds of people including former honorees, family and friends of the inductees.
The South Dakota Hall of Fame is located at Chamberlain, South Dakota, overlooking the Missouri River.
Pictured left: John Cooper and Darlene DeChandt on stage at the South Dakota Hall of Fame Awards Dinner.
Pictured below: Members of Tony Dean's family at the Hall of Fame dinner - his sister Fran McGregor, granddaughter Tinsley Arizmendez, daughters Melissa and Alexia DeChandt, and his wife, Darlene (Dar) DeChandt.
Tony Dean memorabilia on display during the dinner.
Small Grant Funding Program
Working in cooperation with the South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation, the Tony and Dar Dean Outdoor Education Fund has begun providing small grant funding for projects associated with youth conservation education in South Dakota. The first grants were awarded in late 2011. (An announcement will be made shortly regarding the recipients).
Two rounds of funding will occur in 2012. Applications for the 2012 funding year will be due May 15, 2012 for the first round of funding, and October 15, 2012 for the second round of funding.
Applications will be posted on this website when available, as well as on the South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation website.
SLIDE SHOW:This PowerPoint slide show of photos and comments about Tony Dean was compiled by Tony and Dar's son Cameron DeChandt for a public celebration of Tony Dean's life, held on November 1, 2008.
Tony Dean memorabilia on display during the dinner.
