Henry ‘Dean’ McGiveron

It is with great sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Henry “Dean” McGiveron — lifetime Harbor resident born to Henry and Alice McGiveron on Nov. 5, 1962, and went home to God on April 26, 2026.

Through his journey of 63 years, he touched many lives with his wisdom, perseverance and humor. Driven by an endless thirst for knowledge, he had a passion for discovering new things. This spirit which characterized his life translated into lessons, which he eagerly imparted onto those around him.

Raised alongside his older brother and sister, Alec and Ruth, they spent many summers camping up the Wishkah River with family and friends. Their mother Alice made every holiday over-the-top and special. She was a fantastic cook and Dean soaked up her expertise, including how to can and preserve food.

After graduating from Aberdeen High School, class of 1981, he entered the food industry at Duffy’s restaurant as a dishwasher. He quickly transitioned up the ladder to line cook, serving Harborites and visitors for 14 years. When Stafford Creek Corrections opened in 2000. Dean eagerly moved into a position as AC cook. In 2007, Dean met his wife Debra and they hit it off right away and have been together ever since. His famous phrase “Don’t tell me what to do” soon melted away when she convinced him to cross over to corrections officer, retiring in 2025 with the feeling that “25 years in prison is long enough.” Dean was world-renowned for not holding back his opinion and knack for telling you like it is, even it it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. He was known for his long entertaining stories, which he loved to repeat. He was clearly a man who loved to make people laugh, and above all else, he was a kind and generous soul. He was a friend to all, his genuine laugh could be heard from a distance, the kind of laugh that made you smile instantly.

Fishing was a top priority for Dean and being seasick in the ocean was unfortunately part of the adventure. Clam digging for him was a breeze, you’d often look around and there he was scouting out greenhorns for the opportunity to teach them how.

Dean loved the thrill of the hunt, as garage sailing was a favorite pastime and the 28th Street boat launch oftentimes revealed treasures as he scavenged the shoreline.

We remember a life lived with intent, love, and a constant sense of caring, leaving a void that can never be filled.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Alec. He is survived by his wife Debra, his son Martin, daughter Alyssa Asbury, grandsons Wyatt and Abel, his sister Ruth Ann, Aunt and Uncle Willie and Terry McGiveron, cousins George, Peggy Sue, Jimmy and Robbie, and half-sisters Desiree, Blythe and Teresa.

Services will be held at Light and Life Church at 2740 Simpson Avenue in Hoquiam, Washington, 98550 on May 16th at 3 p.m., refreshments to follow then continuing to the 40 et 8 Club for his Celebration of Life and potluck at 5 p.m. at 2213 Simpson Avenue in Aberdeen, Washington, 98520.