We are so very sad and shocked to report that longtime member/supporter Dean Burman passed away in his sleep on the 31st of December.
The coroner has been unable to decipher the cause of death at this time. What we do know is that Dean spent his last day visiting his daughter Willow, then went back to his hotel where he showered, lay on the bed, presumably went to sleep but didn't wake up. His ex wife was expecting him the next day to see Willow again, but he never turned up. Dean is survived by his daughter Willow, whom he absolutely adored, and his heartbroken parents Edith and Sam.
Dean’s funeral will be held on Tuesday 22nd January at 2pm at
Vale Crematorium, Evesham Road, Fladbury, Pershore WR1O 2QR.
The service starts at 2pm, so if you are attending please be there well before.
The family have requested family only flowers, but should you wish, you can make a donation to a charity Dean supported.
Two charities Dean supported were the Oxford Transplant Foundation www.justgiving.com/otf and Midlands Air Ambulance www.justgiving.com/maac Both have just giving pages if you wish to donate in his name and write a message. You can also write a cheque out to either charity and post to Merstow Green Funeral Home, 20 Merstow Green, Evesham, WR11 4BD, mark the envelope on behalf of Dean Burman.
The wake will be held at
The Crown and Cushion Hotel, 23 High Street, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire OX7 5AD at approximately 3:30pm. The family say that
all of Dean’s friends are welcome to attend both service and wake.
We extend our warmest condolences to all of his family and all of his friends and say R.I.P. to Dean.
Dean the Diving Decorator from Dean J Burman
A short film the BBC NHU made about Dean in 2007 whilst he was filming pike behaviour for his film Lair of the WaterWolf
Message from Wildeye and Wildlife-film.com founder Piers Warren:
"I remember when Dean came on our Introduction to Wildlife Film-making course in 2003. When we came to introduce each other, most in the group were highly qualified with relevant degrees, PhDs etc. Dean was the last to speak and said "Well I'm a painter and decorator from the Cotswolds and I think I'm in the wrong place!". But it was clear, even that weekend, that he had the passion and motivation for filming wildlife, especially underwater, to make him stand out. Always fun and friendly it's been a pleasure to know him and follow his career over the years. We have shown the BBC film 'Dean the Diving Decorator' to hundreds of students over the years as an example of how passion and determination are key to success. RIP Dean, we miss you."
Message from friend and colleage Andy O'Sullivan:
"You could always rely on Dean to put a smile on your face. With a warm heart and a passion most could only dream of."
Tribute from Mike Linley:
“This is such a tragic loss. He was such a talented cameraman and excelled at filming freshwater fish through sheer determination, real enthusiasm and self-taught skill. My heart goes out to all his family and friends. Great bloke and from all his regular posts on Facebook a caring and loving dad.”
Wetpixel Associate Editor, Alex Mustard, describes him:
“He was a top guy. Talented and generous. Great sense of humor. Totally devoted to his daughter and wildlife.”
His last tweet:
Dean, you will be much missed... Cheers! |
