LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Elwin “Dean” Hyder passed peacefully Monday, May 5, at the age of 87.

Dean was born to the late Ira and Nancy Hyder in Delta, Utah.

Dean's family located to Lakeport before World War II where his mother Nancy owned the Bonnie Brae Restaurant.

Dean went into the Army in 1944 as part of the 32 Infantry Division. He took part in the liberation of the Philippine Islands during World War II.

After Japan surrendered he was stationed near Kokura as part of the US occupation forces. Dean proudly served his country until 1947 where he was honorably discharged at Ft. Lewis, Wash.

Dean returned to Lakeport where he met and married Geraldine Giles and had two children. Dean relocated his family to Sonoma.

Dean became a heavy equipment operator and was a proud member of the Operating Engineers Local 3 for over 65 years.

During his career he worked on many major civil projects helping shape the modern network of highways and reservoirs that serve the people of California until he retired in 1988.

Dean loved to garden and travel, he and Gerry traveled all over the country in their motor home before relocating back to Lakeport in 2002. He was also a member of the Free Masons.

Dean is survived by his two children, Clifton Hyder of Collierville, Tenn., and Jacalyn Noe of Aurora, Colo.; two sisters, Colleen Caldas and Joanne Hage, both of Ukiah; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

The family prefers donations be made to Hospice Services of Lake County or Wounded Warrior Project.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 10, at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 1625 N. High St., Lakeport.

For further information call Chapel of the Lakes (FD1336) at 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit the mortuary online at http://chapelofthelakes.sharepoint.com/Pages/default.aspx .