Boeing Certificate of Achievement

Cpl. Reiner was awarded 45 Air Medals (Strike Flight)
and one Single Mission Air Medal

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Dean Arthur Reiner a beloved and adored father, friend and fly fisher. Who was loved for his strong character and deep friendships.

Dean passed away on March 7, 2025 at the age of 78. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Josephine Caporella and Dean Reiner, Sr. He grew up on the rough streets of Philadelphia, but also spent time on his Italian immigrant grandparents farm on the Pennsylvania, New Jersey border. This is where he learned to fly fish, a lifelong passion.

At the age of 16, Dean drove his 1953 Chevy across country. He settled in San Diego where he finished high school at Herbert Hoover. Afterwards, Dean became a Marine. From 1966 to 1972, Corporal Reiner served two tours of duty. He was a Crew Chief in the Purple Fox Squadron. He took his fly rod with him to Vietnam. When he wasn't fishing he fought in over 1000 combat missions. Cpl. Reiner was awarded the Boeing Certificate of Achievement, a Single Mission Air Medal and 45 Air Medals. He told grievous tales of war and combat.

After Vietnam, Dean went back to San Diego. He married Lynn Rhodes and had two daughters. After their divorce, Dean worked as a security guard where he met Deborah Libsack. They married and had two daughters. Dean worked as a police officer then a mobile welder in the oil fields.

In 1981, Dean moved his family to Livingston, Montana. He owned Park Welding. Dean and Deborah divorced in 1984. Dean also worked as a bar tender at the Longbranch Saloon and as a fly fishing guide. Dean then met and fell in love with a beautiful woman named Billie Bevin. They only had a few short years together until a devastating illness took her. In her final months of life, Dean took loving care of her. She died in his arms. He spent the next 34 years mourning her.

Dean built his own 5th wheel trailer from scratch. It housed him the last 20 years of his life and it gave him great pride. Dean raised his daughters and opened Hatch Finders Fly Shop in 1999. His daughter Dandy became co-owner a few years later. They worked side by side tying flies until they sold the business in 2024 after nearly 25 years of operation. Dean created the famous fly Pink Pookie, named after a beloved dog. May the Pink Pookie live forever. Dean retired after 70 years in the work force.

Dean was known for his dedication to his family. He had numerous, long term friendships with people all over the world. His vibrancy drew people to him and to remember him. He will be remembered forever as a fly fisher, friend and father.

Dean leaves behind four daughters. Robbi (Mark) Packard, Deana (Steve) Coulter, Dandy (Logan Dudding) Reiner and Mandy (Gabe) Bouse. A sister, Kathy Murrin. There are four heartbroken Grandsons. Trevor, Warren, Ian and Grayson. Dean also leaves behind his adopted son, Koichi (Toshie) Kawaii. Their special bond and mutual devotion gave Dean great joy. Dean leaves behind several very good friends. He loved them all and told them so. He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and beloved Billie Bevin-Jones.

Dean's family wishes to express their gratitude to Livingston Hospice, Saddle Mountain Health Care and loyal friend Randy Schumacher and Jack Meggison. They gave Dean and his daughter, Dandy great comfort in his final months. Thank you to Koichi Kawaii for flying all the way from Japan to help take care of Dean during his illness. It filled his heart with love.

Dean requested no funeral. The family will hold a private memorial to spread his ashes with Billie. Date to be determined.