Peter Dean’s funeral service at the Fremantle crematorium West Chapel on Thursday 21st March 2013 was attended by many, where his brother-in-law Bob Pride filled in the historical elements in a moving eulogy. Family members then gave those assembled a private glimpse of Peter at home with loved ones, always the entertainer amusing friends and those closest to him.
A good crowd had gathered outside the chapel waiting for the hearse with pallbearers to arrive, followed by a long line of folk paying their last respects.
More than 500 people attended the service, including his wife Delys and his four children Phillip, Cindy, Jonathan and Andy. His coffin was topped with flowers and a can of Emu Bitter.
Peter’s career spanned five decades on radio and television in Perth and will be remembered for the long running radio program ‘Can We Help You’ with John Fryer on 6IX, and TVW7‘s Saturday night variety show, ‘Anything Goes’ — a program that in 1973 won a TV Week Logie for Most Popular Program in Western Australia.
Peter Dean also worked for STW9 and 6PR.
Peter will be fondly remembered for the 1985 Telethon comedy item ‘Triplets’, with Max Kay and Jenny Seaton, where as babies in high chairs they threw porridge at each other. This was a musical number taken from the 1953 film ‘The Band Wagon’, which in turn was taken from the 1937 Broadway musical comedy, ‘Between the Devil’. Peter, Max and Jenny’s 1985 performance was played in full during the service, to the great amusement of all present.
The eulogy to Peter Dean was delivered by his brother-in-law and former ABC journalist, Bob Pride.
The celebrant was Reverend Jeremy James, with master of ceremony 6PR radio personality Harvey Deegan, reflections on a colleague and great mate provided by John Fryer, Jenny Seaton and Max Kay, a tribute to ‘Mr Telethon’ was given by Jamie Martinovich, reflections on an enduring love conveyed by daughter Cindy Dean Antulov with friend and colleague Trisha Bartoll, memories of a father from sons Phillip and Andrew Dean, followed by memories of their grandfather from Brooke Mwyer and Ellie Dean.
A detailed slideshow followed…
Hundreds of friends, colleagues and members of the family were present to pay their last respects, with many standing as the numbers swelled beyond the confines of the 250 seat chapel.
Coralie Condon, the grande dame of the theatre and first lady of television in WA, will celebrate her 98th birthday on May 16th, 2013.
Peter Harries and Pixi worked alongside Peter Dean during his time with STW9.
John Cranfield was a fellow announcer with Peter at 6IX.
Mementoes of a most successful radio partnership – Peter Dean and John Fryer.
A foundation in Peter’s name is soon to be established with the purpose of assisting Motor Neurone Disease support and education.
