July 2008 Ethical Hero – Julian Dean

Published: July 13, 2008

By Jim Lichtman
Image
Read More

julian-deanJulian Dean was born in East Aurora, New York, moved around a lot and attended 10 schools by age 18. He attended two institutes, one college and two universities, finishing with an MA in Organizational Management.

Oh, and he was the best friend I ever had at a time when I needed it most.

Shortly after my mother had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I met Julian at the Alzheimer’s Association where he coached and guided me along with other family members through the terrible ravages of a disease that continues to steal the personality and abilities of too many people every day. Julian’s passion for teaching others to deal with mental and emotional hardships has caused him to be one of the best listeners I have ever encountered.

During a critical two-year period with my mother, he was always available to help me through whatever the emotional dilemma of the day was.  But most importantly, he actively listened to everything I had to say.  He did this with literally countless individuals during his twelve years with the Alzheimer’s Association.

Julian’s rare combination of compassion and wisdom make him an exceptional example and my pick for this month’s ethical hero.

And I continue to value his friendship.

This comment was submitted by Peggy Whittemore:

“Does it ever sound familiar to me. I was going thru Alzheimers with my Mother in early 2000 and [a friend] put me in touch with Julian over the internet. There were many e-mails going back and forth between us. He was always there with a kind word, any information I needed; all the tools to get me through the worst period of my life.

“I have never met the man in person, but he will always be in my heart for his kindness.”

Comments

Leave a Comment



Read More Articles
The Latest... And Sometimes Greatest
Two Men. Two Visions.
With the constant churn of headlines—political strife, cultural division, and an unrelenting news cycle—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, even numb. So when this week’s TIME...
May 22, 2025
What’s the Cost of Integrity? Why 60 Minutes Matters Now More Than Ever
Week after week, CBS’s 60 Minutes has done what journalism is supposed to do: hold those in power accountable, no matter the cost. The current...
May 21, 2025
Why Facts No Longer Matter (And Why That Matters)
In 2012, Justice David Souter—long retired, rarely seen—offered a quiet but powerful warning during a talk in New Hampshire. Reflecting on the erosion of civic...
May 19, 2025
The Cost of Doing the Right Thing
I met President Gerald Ford while working at KMIR-TV in Palm Springs. The event was held at the home of a wealthy supporter in Thunderbird...
May 16, 2025
When Conscience Led the Country
Jimmy Carter didn’t just talk about values—he lived them. Long before entering the White House in 1977, and long after he left, Carter viewed leadership...
May 15, 2025
Steady Leadership
Dwight D. Eisenhower didn’t lead with bravado. He didn’t govern by grievance. He led with character. A five-star general who commanded the Allied victory in...
May 14, 2025