RS Member Dean Baranski News
- Thread starter Crash
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DaveInDenver
Rising Sun Ham Guru
The photo Steve used in his announcement came from our Polar Star Hut tour in Feb 2004. This was the goofball before accommodating me with the portrait that he and Natalie have. I said "Make like a proper mountaineer" and that's what ya get.
The reason for the less technically good photo is he gave me the reassuring wink. That is "him" and I knew it immediately despite the missed focus and snowflake photo bomb.
And this was the "hutwarming" gift he suggested.
And prep of the pounds and pounds of the Polish inspired meal...
... that we made for our night cooking for the group.
The reason for the less technically good photo is he gave me the reassuring wink. That is "him" and I knew it immediately despite the missed focus and snowflake photo bomb.
And this was the "hutwarming" gift he suggested.
And prep of the pounds and pounds of the Polish inspired meal...
... that we made for our night cooking for the group.
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Dean has been a good friend for a long time. It's been a little while since I've seen him -- I just figured he'd been involved with other activities. So sorry to hear that the activity has been fighting cancer. I wish him the best and plan to help once the GoFundMe gets set up.
Every time Suzie and I would go to Dean and Natalie’s place for a visit Dean would have some exotic beer and liquor at the ready and Natalie would create a meal that was especially delicious. Every damn time. Friends as caring and generous as them are a blessing to have.
Ugh. so sorry to hear this, thanks for sharing Steve.
RicardoJM
Hard Core 4+
Thanks for the sharing the news Steve, though I am very sorry it is not good news.
A couple of my early connections with Dean were very inspirational and made an impression on me.
The first was visiting him when he was doing a knuckle service at his condo. His single car garage was barely wide enough to fit his Hilux. The truck was up on jack stands, front axle stripped down to the ball. The work area was clean, clear and not a tool in sight. Everything in his garage was in its place. The cleanliness and organization were immaculate.
The second encounter a few of us were at Steve's putting a lift on Carlton's 60. Dean was there working and sharing his knowledge with everyone. Fortunately, There are a few pictures.
Dean has by far the best FJ40 acquisition story. It was destiny intervening and Torvald's 40 could not have ended up in better hands.
Dean was at quite a few wrenching sessions and it was in his nature to be helping others.
As a newbie wanting to learn more about working on old trucks, I listened to every word.
Steve's garage is very well equipped, but most of the tools we used that day came right out the back of Dean's 40. I can't find a picture, but he also had a Workmate and a 4X4 with a wood vise that was amazingly handy.
Dean is truly a revival mechanical man, making his way the best he can in the modern digital world.
A couple of my early connections with Dean were very inspirational and made an impression on me.
The first was visiting him when he was doing a knuckle service at his condo. His single car garage was barely wide enough to fit his Hilux. The truck was up on jack stands, front axle stripped down to the ball. The work area was clean, clear and not a tool in sight. Everything in his garage was in its place. The cleanliness and organization were immaculate.
The second encounter a few of us were at Steve's putting a lift on Carlton's 60. Dean was there working and sharing his knowledge with everyone. Fortunately, There are a few pictures.
Dean has by far the best FJ40 acquisition story. It was destiny intervening and Torvald's 40 could not have ended up in better hands.
Dean was at quite a few wrenching sessions and it was in his nature to be helping others.
As a newbie wanting to learn more about working on old trucks, I listened to every word.
Steve's garage is very well equipped, but most of the tools we used that day came right out the back of Dean's 40. I can't find a picture, but he also had a Workmate and a 4X4 with a wood vise that was amazingly handy.
Dean is truly a revival mechanical man, making his way the best he can in the modern digital world.
Great to read your memories Ricardo. You are spot on in regards to Dean being a mechanical man in a digital world. Wonderful to see your pictures too.Thanks for the sharing the news Steve, though I am very sorry it is not good news.
A couple of my early connections with Dean were very inspirational and made an impression on me.
The first was visiting him when he was doing a knuckle service at his condo. His single car garage was barely wide enough to fit his Hilux. The truck was up on jack stands, front axle stripped down to the ball. The work area was clean, clear and not a tool in sight. Everything in his garage was in its place. The cleanliness and organization were immaculate.
The second encounter a few of us were at Steve's putting a lift on Carlton's 60. Dean was there working and sharing his knowledge with everyone. Fortunately, There are a few pictures.
Dean has by far the best FJ40 acquisition story. It was destiny intervening and Torvald's 40 could not have ended up in better hands.
Dean was at quite a few wrenching sessions and it was in his nature to be helping others.
As a newbie wanting to learn more about working on old trucks, I listened to every word.
Steve's garage is very well equipped, but most of the tools we used that day came right out the back of Dean's 40. I can't find a picture, but he also had a Workmate and a 4X4 with a wood vise that was amazingly handy.
Dean is truly a revival mechanical man, making his way the best he can in the modern digital world.
Hey its the navigator and I can't see map through all the tears
rover67
Rising Sun Member
Hang in there Dean we love you buddy. You too Ricardo. So fortunate to have met so many fine folks in this club. It is family. You are all family. Never knew what I was walking into when I bumped into you clowns
Really sorry to hear this news. Dean is a great part of Rising Sun and friend. Always loved the runs that he was on. One of my first Christmas gatherings with the club was at Deans place. Bruce Miller gave everyone a brass punch. Still have to this day.
Snow Pizza Run 2006.
Snow Pizza Run 2006.
Good stuff Perry. I’m loving every picture folks have posted so far and hope to see more.Really sorry to hear this news. Dean is a great part of Rising Sun and friend. Always loved the runs that he was on. One of my first Christmas gatherings with the club was at Deans place. Bruce Miller gave everyone a brass punch. Still have to this day.
Snow Pizza Run 2006.
Squishy!
Rising Sun Member
My first memory of dean was at a holiday party back when I was eager to start on my own minitruck. I must've been 15 or 16 yo. I remember being impressed with where he was able to take his simple builds. I remember him being easy going and willing to share any and all of his knowledge. Every time I drive down Parker road I think of that evening. I don't know why that memory has stuck with me all this time, but it has. Dean surely made an impression on me and all these years later I think of him and his generous spirit and approachable demeanor.
I hope someone can convey how much he meant to the club and to individual members. He is much loved and will be missed. Please if you can, tell him I said thank you. God bless you Dean.
I hope someone can convey how much he meant to the club and to individual members. He is much loved and will be missed. Please if you can, tell him I said thank you. God bless you Dean.
Good memories, for sure. Hopefully we will all be able to let Dean and Natalie know our feelings by supporting them through the Go Fund Me page we are working on setting up. They really do need our help.
DaveInDenver
Rising Sun Ham Guru
There's been a lot of mention of "that Jeep guy" that we helped in the rain.
And lots of other times on that Jeep.
And with other Jeeps.
Toyota wrenches can show someone a million times but they remain stubbornly dyed in the wool Jeep people. What the heck, 'wheeling with and working on Jeeps gave us an excuse to buy SAE and Torx tools and recovery gear.
In any event, that guy's name is Joe and he has long appreciated Dean as a friend.
Joe and I had already been friends for a few years. He was working at the place I hired on when we moved to Colorado and I still had my Ford Ranger, before seeing the light. I got the FJ40 in 1999, found the Rising Sun trying to repair it, met Dean and Natalie eventually on the first Triple Bypass. That trip was the first time I'd ever seen a WilderNest, which is whole 'nuther thread of thought. The trip we saw Crash on the trail and were tinkering with Joe's Jeep was I think Georgia Pass sometime in 2000.
From Joe's wedding April 2005.
And lots of other times on that Jeep.
And with other Jeeps.
Toyota wrenches can show someone a million times but they remain stubbornly dyed in the wool Jeep people. What the heck, 'wheeling with and working on Jeeps gave us an excuse to buy SAE and Torx tools and recovery gear.
In any event, that guy's name is Joe and he has long appreciated Dean as a friend.
Joe and I had already been friends for a few years. He was working at the place I hired on when we moved to Colorado and I still had my Ford Ranger, before seeing the light. I got the FJ40 in 1999, found the Rising Sun trying to repair it, met Dean and Natalie eventually on the first Triple Bypass. That trip was the first time I'd ever seen a WilderNest, which is whole 'nuther thread of thought. The trip we saw Crash on the trail and were tinkering with Joe's Jeep was I think Georgia Pass sometime in 2000.
From Joe's wedding April 2005.
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wesintl
Moderator
This memory with Dean is etched in my mind: 2011 Argentine Pass Cleanup: the snow was still melting and the crossings were deep. Dean was very methodical about his crossing of the creek and making sure he had a strap at the ready just in case.
risingsun4x4club.org
2011 Argentine Pass Cleanup Run
... Dean backing up to pick up Nick. Along the trail. Dean with McClellan Mt in the distance. Santiago Mine is in the bowl to the left of the switch backs. The old tramway house, east of McClellan Mt. Lots of good views!
risingsun4x4club.org
Donate to Please Help Dean Baranski and Natalie Bilous, organized by Suzanne Crase
Dean Baranski has been a friend and asset to the Toyota Community for three… Suzanne Crase needs your support for Please Help Dean Baranski and Natalie Bilous
Posting the link in this thread too.
Here's a pic of two good dudes, Dean and John Barnes. John was very stuck on the way to the Dunes and Dean was pulling him out. Both were enjoying the heck out of their roles in this bit of fun. John had to crawl out the window and onto the hood to get the strap Dean tossed him and attach it to the tow hook. Watching the hilarity was a great memory of the trip in 2010 but only a morsel of the fun that was had with this crew which included James Bingham.
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MDH33
Hard Core 4+
So sad to hear this news. Dean you're one of a kind. It's been a long time since we had the chance to talk Toyota. Been missing you and the rest of the rising sun crew I knew. It was always a pleasure to hang and talk 40's, hilux', F's, 2F's, 20R's vs 22R's and mountains and trails.
40's Only Run is coming up. Coolest OG 40 and dude!
40's Only Run is coming up. Coolest OG 40 and dude!
LARGEONE
Rising Sun Member
So bummed to find this thread. Dean, you are one of a kind and we are all just happy you finally figured out how to access the digital forum 
The parts you gave me for the 40 will remind me how much your 40 kicks ass!
Peace brother.
The parts you gave me for the 40 will remind me how much your 40 kicks ass!
Peace brother.