Dean's foray into the craft of drystone walling and historical structural masonry began early in life. He “helped” his grandfather as a youngster to build barn foundations, drystone walls, and traditional stone structures.

He was exposed to proper techniques very early on and it’s been quite dismaying to see the craft turn into something so far removed from techniques that have existed for millennia.

After a brief excursion into academia he returned to the craft full time. He has travelled extensively across the UK to learn and to absorb the culture and traditions of structural stonework.

He is a huge proponent of the drystone walling association of Great Britain and its certification scheme as a means to grow the craft worldwide. To that end he entered the process and became Canada’s first Master Craftsman, examiner, and instructor. He has taught and examined thousands of students across Canada, the US and the UK.

He has also been involved in the restoration of many traditional mortared stone buildings adhering to traditional techniques. He hopes to not only be able to preserve historic structures but to also be involved in the creation of many more that will stand the test of time.

Motivation
I joined the Willowbank board with the hope of being able to contribute to the direction the school takes.
I hope to be of service however I can, to help it continue in its efforts of excellence. I also hope to be a bit selfish and to promote and preserve my chosen craft of dry stone walling. Traditional crafts can disappear quickly and quietly and I hope willowbank can help prevent this loss.

Vision
I see the school continuing to grow in its impact on local, provincial and national heritage structures and crafts. I hope to increase greater awareness of the school and its efforts.

Advice
The continued growth and excellence of the school serves to greatly impact the heritage structures in Canada. Without historical structures being preserved we stand to lose our heritage and a bit of ourselves.