Dean R. Tyndall 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.