Ovitt: Dean Ovitt Memorial Scholarship
Established by his wife Mary Ovitt
Awarded to a Montana or Idaho high school graduate with demonstrated academic proficiency, leadership, strong work ethic and community & campus service.
Bio of Dean Ovitt
Dean was born in Dillon, Mont., on Feb. 16, 1954. He grew up in Boulder, Mont., with his parents, Felma and Amil Herseim, and nine siblings. He met his high school sweetheart and beloved wife, Mary Catherine Keating, in elementary school. Dean graduated from Jefferson High School in Boulder and studied business at the University of Montana and Idaho State University. Dean and Mary were married in Boulder, Mont., on July 13, 1974, and lived in Missoula, Mont., before moving to Burley, Idaho, in 1978 where they were blessed with two daughters. Dean enjoyed a successful sales career in Burley. His success continued in Dillon as the general manager of Big Sky Motors and later as business manager at Intermountain Irrigation. Dean lived his life with a commitment to family and friends, a passion for golf and heartfelt generosity to his community. Dean was the recipient of many community service awards, including the Dillon Chamber of Commerce Businessman of the Year, 2008 UM Western Alumni Service Award and recognition by the Beaverhead Golf Course for successful fundraising. He was a man of achievement and optimism who loved life. Dean Ovitt, 59, passed away Monday, May 20, 2013, in Dillon following a heroic effort to conquer melanoma.
