Dean Macy Colbray was born on May 29, 1963, in Hermiston, Oregon, to Nora Lee Linton and Ples Heaven. In Hermiston he spent his early years. After his mother’s marriage to Lonnie Colbray Sr., the family moved to Tacoma, Washington. There he was raised by his mother and stepfather along with his siblings. Dean attended Jefferson Elementary, Mason Jr. High and later graduated from Stadium High School. He then went on to join Job Corps in Astoria, Oregon, where he learned Carpentry.

Dean traveled to the state of Alaska where he worked on fishing boats and the Alaska Pipeline. Later, he moved back to the Seattle-Tacoma area and worked as a construction worker and a member of the Laborers’ Local 242 Labor. Despite taking pleasure in his diverse career and achievements, Dean considered his eight remarkable children, whom he deeply loved, to be his greatest legacy and the most significant accomplishment of his life. Dean was known for his rough exterior and heart of gold. He always “walked the walk and talked the talk” and had a way of dropping “gems”, priceless advice while also talking a lot of “smack” with his sarcasm. He was loved and cherished by many and will be deeply missed.

Dean was preceded in death by his Grandmother Willie Mae Luster, Mother Nora Lee Colbray, Father Ples Heaven, and Brother Archie Lee Heaven.

Dean leaves to celebrate his memories: Eight children: Dean Colbray Jr., Tujuan Colbray, Jamell Heaven, Sharkel pruit, Zakiya Pruit, [Tri Cities, WA], Jamae Colbray, Kawija Colbray, Eve Colbray [Alaska] Stepfather, Lonnie Colbray Sr., Siblings: Lue Jean Heaven-Cromity (Eddie) [Detroit], Jackie Linton [Hermiston, Oregon],  Napolean Miller (Treva) [Richland, WA], LeRoy Colbray (Delta) [Hermiston], Terry Miller (Patricia) [Seattle, WA], Tony Colbray [Idaho], Jennie Colbray [Hermiston], Denise Colbray [Hillsboro], four Grandchildren, a host of Nephews, Nieces, Cousins, extended family and friends.

Services

Visitation, 4-6pm, Friday, April 26, 2024 at Scott Funeral Home

Funeral, 11am, Saturday, April 27, 2024 New Covenant 2156 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Tacoma, WA 98405