Recording the History of a Mayor: Dean Andrus

Recording history is not just a task; it is a solemn responsibility that carries with it profound opportunities to immortalize the legacies of remarkable individuals, particularly leaders who have guided us through challenges, stirred us to act in the face of adversity, and empowered us to effect change within our communities. In the annals of history, one such exceptional leader who had the privilege of having his story preserved was Dean Andrus, the 26th Mayor of Richmond.

Our journey to document the life and accomplishments of Mayor Dean Andrus commenced on July 22 when we reached out to our Facebook community, seeking assistance in uncovering the rich tapestry of Dean Andrus's history. Our call was answered by none other than Dean's grandsons, Casey and Craig, who emerged as the custodians of their grandfather's legacy.

The stage was set for a profound exploration of Dean Andrus's life as Richmond's Encyclopedia Creator and Director, Bryce Holt, sat down with the gentlemen on August 1st for an enlightening interview. What became immediately apparent was the deep wellspring of love and passion that Casey and Craig held for their grandfather. Their words resonated with warmth and reverence as they delved into the nuances of their grandfather's life, leaving no stone unturned.

As the conversation unfolded, it became evident that Casey and Craig were not merely contributors of information; they were conduits to the very essence of Dean Andrus's being. They shared insights into his character, recounting anecdotes that painted a vivid portrait of a man who had left an indelible mark on Richmond's history.

Through their heartfelt recollections, Casey and Craig granted us access to the inner sanctum of their grandfather's life, allowing us to glimpse the motivations, struggles, and triumphs that defined him as a leader and as a person. Their invaluable contributions will ensure that Dean Andrus's story is not lost to the passage of time but preserved for generations to come.

In recording the history of leaders like Dean Andrus, we are reminded of the enduring impact that these individuals have on our lives and communities. Their stories inspire us to continue the pursuit of positive change, even in the face of adversity. Thanks to the dedication of Casey and Craig, the legacy of Mayor Dean Andrus will continue to serve as a beacon of inspiration and a testament to the power of leadership in shaping the course of history.

Early Life

Deans early life consisted of living in a small, two room frame home with his family and older brother James Donald. Dean said of his early life,

"An ordinary day as a kid was get up in the morning and get ready for school. We didn't have buses. We had to walk both ways, and then at night when I come home I'd have to get the kindling and coal in and stack behind the stove so we'd have it for the next morning.... All meals were prepared then on a wood or coal burning stove that's the only heat we had.... Entertainment nights we'd sit around and listen to the old folks tell stories.

"[For work] we usually herd cows or work on a farm and then we would pay 'em. Then a friend of mine and I would go down to Cub River and stay in an old cabin. We'd have a two weeks vacation around Christmas. We stayed there and would trap weasels and muskrats, coyotes and anything else we could find. At one time in the two weeks we sold $90,000 of furs, and in those days that was a lot of money."

Dean (young boy in front) stands in a field with his Pioneer family. L-R: John D. Andrus, James Andrus, Minnie Ann Moody, Stella J. Andrus, Caroline C. Weatherbee. (Colorized). Photo property of GarthToone on Familysearch.org.

Dean Andrus married Mildred Renner Feb 21, 1934 in Brigham City, Utah and had two kids, Diane and Allan Dean.

Work

Dean had a grocery store called the Andrus I.G.A. Super Market. He had the store for many years. Deans son Allan remembered his time in the store as a child being not enjoyable on "Wednesdays. That's when we had to stock the shelves."

Dean was also a certified meat inspector and cutter for Lower Foods in Smithfield.

Dean Andrus I.G.A store, 1958. Store on right is L.D.’s Cafe. (Colorized)

Mayoral Term (1966 - 1970)

Dean Andrus served as the 26th Mayor of Richmond from 1966-1970, a single term. Due to pore recording, not much information was preserved about Dean Andrus' Mayoral Term. However, Dean ordered the construction of the sewer system of Richmond, and had his good friend Floyed White watch over the progect.

He was succeeded by G. Richard Bagley.

South Ward Bishop

Dean Andrus was called as the Second Bishop of the Richmond South Ward in 1973 and served until 1978. He is remembered by many as a good bishop and a kind-hearted individual.

Dean Andrus Family. Standing: Diane. Sitting L-R: Dean, Mildred, Allan.

Hunter & Fisher

One of Dean's favorite pastimes was fishing and hunting whenever he got the chance. While on a hunting trip with Albert S. Bateman, Even H. Spackman, Herbert W. Anderson and Floyed S. White, the group was able to come out their first year with five buck deer. The area they hunted was an old cabin they had named 'Five Buck Mine.'

Deans adoptive granddaughter, Lori Daine Smith, said:

"What I remember most of Grandpa Dean (my mom's dad) was that he loved to hunt and fish! Almost every time we went to visit he was outside cleaning fish, he had just caught and he would show us ones still wiggling in the bucket, (GROSS) and then he would wack them on the head with a black night stick and then cut them and gut them, not my favorite thing to watch as a young girl. Grandpa had a cabin up in the hills above Richmond, Utah. It was actually a mine. I went once and walked all the way there it was like 5 miles and I was the only girl. Not until we reached there did my father tell me there was not potty up there. UGH!!!"

Dean himself once said poetically to his son Allan:

"Did you ever stand on a mountain top and watch the Sun go down, watch the valley below Fade Into shadows, until you alone are left in the dying rays? You can feel the solitude. A silence like unheard music unfolds you. You feel a presence mightier than human fellowship. You feel the presence of God and you realize man is a part of nature, subject to her laws and sharing in her secrets. If you can discover the Brotherhood to be found in trees… who can walk through thick Timber and not be on a path of peace? If you can find companionship and everything that swims, flies, runs or creeps, then you will find a new way of life and you will realize the grand order of nature. In her wild growing, free flying and careless flowering, there is a tremendous order in which you can always depend. This gives you a supreme sense of security."3

Because of Deans expertise in hunting and fishing, he participated in many Boy Scout activities.

Dean Andrus and Allan show their successful day of fishing. (Colorized)

Epilogue

Lori Daine Smith remembers the day when Dean died.

"In 1986 mom called and said we needed to hurry to get to cache valley to say good bye to grandpa! ... Grandpa Dean said he needed to move but he was to sore, so we used my CNA training and picked up the corners of the sheets and six of us turned him over. He screamed during this in pain. It was sad. After the family Left Grandpa Passed away in his sleep. He was just waiting for everyone to leave."

Dean Andrus died Aug 19, 1986 in Richmond to diabetes and heart disease. He was buried in the Richmond Cemetery.

(All information sourced from Richmond’s Encyclopedia. All unlisted photos are property of Casey T. Andrus)

We want to give a big shout-out and heartfelt thanks to Craig and Casey Andrus. Your help in sharing the history of your grandfather, Dean Andrus, is truly amazing. Without your support and love for him, his story might have been forgotten, but thanks to you, he'll be remembered long after our time. We can't express enough how grateful we are for your assistance. Thank you!