Dr. John Michael Deines Used Dental Skills In Service To Others

Dr. John Michael Deines' commitment to family, friends, church, and career was evident every day of his life, his friends and family say.

"The gifts he gave to our whole family was his faith and service to others, and it was shown by all the service activities he was involved with," said his son, Mick Deines.

Dr. Deines died of cardiac arrest Thursday (Oct. 15). He was 82.

Born in Lincoln, Neb., his career as a dentist began in 1939, after graduating from the University of Nebraska School of Dentistry.

He moved to Seattle and married Lucille McDonnell in 1940. He set up his dentistry practice on Capitol Hill. Dr. Deines was president of the American Dental Association in 1970-71, as well as the Washington Dental Association. He also helped form the service plan that is now Delta Dental plans.

Dr. Deines was most proud of holding office with the ADA, his son said, and he never missed a meeting at the Lions Club for 45 years. Dr. Deines also donated dental services to nuns and priests during his career, and attended mass regularly at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Capitol Hill.

Harold Gallagher and Dr. Deines met in dental school, creating a friendship that would last 60 years.

They met in a physiology class, when both were looking through microscopes in search of an organism that also was illustrated in a textbook. Although neither could spot the organism, it was Dr. Deines who spoke up and said it.

"I knew right then I'd like him," Gallagher said. "He called a spade a spade."

Dr. Deines was an avid fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, University of Washington Huskies, Sonics, Mariners and Seahawks. He had recently flown to Lincoln for the UW-Nebraska game, Gallagher said.

He also is survived by his daughter, Anna Yon of Seattle, sister Margaret Salstrand, of Lincoln, Neb., daughter-in-law Pam Deines; grandchildren Frank Yon and Matt, Katie and Meghan Deines, all of Seattle. His wife predeceased him.

Services will be at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Joseph's, 732 18th Ave. E. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lion's Club Blind Services or charity of choice.