Dean R. Tyndall
December 23, 1930 – February 24, 2026
Dean will be laid to rest at St. Martin of Tours on March 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Martin of Tours or to Western Michigan University, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Dean Russell Tyndall, age 95, of Kalamazoo, passed away Tuesday evening, February 24, 2026. Dean was born in Mt. Pleasant, MI, on December 23, 1930, the son of Russell F. and Ruth Lillian (Hawley) Tyndall. On July 2, 1960, he married Shirley M. Benham, who preceded him in death.
Dean graduated from Lake City High School in Lake City, MI. He then earned his undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, MI, where he also played basketball. He later earned a Master’s degree from the University of Michigan in Occupational Therapy. His subsequent Ph.D. studies at the University of Michigan were interrupted when he enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, serving with a unit stationed in Germany.
Upon discharge from the military, he had planned to continue his studies at the University of Michigan but instead accepted a position at Western Michigan University, a choice he never regretted. He taught Occupational Therapy and served in administrative roles there for more than 40 years. During that time, he taught core courses in the Occupational Therapy program, served as Department Chair, and later as Interim Dean of the College of Health and Human Services (affectionately known at the time as “Dean Dean”). In 1988, Dean received the OT Award of Merit. Established in 1950, the OT Award of Merit is the highest national association honor recognizing an occupational therapist.
During his 57-year marriage to Shirley, they built a life centered on love and joy, raising two children, traveling widely, and, above all, cherishing the happiness of being together. In his free time, Dean was an avid fisherman who, along with lifelong friends, Dan and Gale in particular, happily swapped tales (tall or otherwise) over dinners with the “Over the Hill Gang”.
One of Dean and Shirley’s most meaningful accomplishments was serving as founding members of Saint Martin of Tours Episcopal Church in Kalamazoo, which was established as a diocesan mission in 1965.
Dean is survived by his son, John (Emily) Tyndall of Ames, IA; his son-in-law, Joseph Bordley of Sewanee, TN; and his grandchildren, Bronwyn and Benham Tyndall. He is also survived by Helen Tucker, who brought him laughter, love and companionship in his later years. In addition to his wife, Dean was preceded in death by his daughter, Marianne Tyndall.
Dean , or “Mr. Tyndall” as we called him growing up, along with Shirley, were great friends of my parents. I can still hear the four of them laughing while playing cards. Dean’s laugh was always hearty and genuine, from one who enjoyed his time with others. Even as a child I knew he was kind and had a good sense of humor. Dean was a man dedicated to life-long learning, helping others and total devotion to family and friends. I was a bit in awe of him, knowing how he excelled in academia. How blessed were those who he taught all those years at WMU. God Bless you Dean, “Mr. Tyndall”, may you rest in peace within the circle of friends and family who have gone before you! Kevin
John, Emily, Bronwyn and Benham, I’m so sorry for your loss. Dean was a special man. With that wonderful deep chuckle and his love of lifelong learning. He wrote a personal recommendation for me when I applied for my first job. With a twinkle in his eye, he told me he’d been honest in his letter but he was sure I’d still get a good job. He and Shirley were such good friend of my parents. I have life-long memories of both of your parents. They were an aunt and an uncle in my heart. It was a joy to become friends with them when I became an adult. I enjoyed our many conversations, laughs and meals together. The last time I spoke with Dean he gave me a hug, said we’d been part of each other’s lives for so long, then he got choked up and we hugged again. I’ll miss those hugs. Kris (Kenz) Locke