APRIL 25, 1948 – NOVEMBER 4, 2024

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dean Morley Polik, 76, on November 4th, 2024, of Mercer Island, Washington. Dean, the son of Ethel and Abe Polik, was born in Seattle, Washington on April 25, 1948.

Dean spent his youth working for his uncles, Morris and Jack Polack’s family business, Acme Poultry. Eventually, Dean worked with his father, Abe, and his Uncle Morris, who started Acme Food Sales. After attending the University of Washington, Dean took on a more active role at Acme Food Sales. He worked from the ground floor up, taking more and more responsibilities over the years. In 1979, he became President and assumed ownership of the company. Dean’s entrepreneurial spirit and savvy business acumen grew the company from a small northwest trading company to a successful international import, sales, and marketing company. This was a work/life experience he valued and shared with friends and family. Dean often employed their teenagers to work in the distribution warehouse, allowing them to learn the value and rewards of hard work as they were making their own paths towards adulthood. He was a caretaker, a giver, and a philanthropist. He was a mentor to many, young and old. He especially loved mentoring young people, so many of them being the children of his friends. They would come to Uncle Dean on every conceivable subject – business, work, relationships, sports, cars. His wisdom was limitless. He had time for everyone, and his presence was cherished by young and old alike. He was happiest when he was giving to others, coming to the aid of family, friends, and the community he loved. His generosity was boundless. He lived a philanthropic life to the fullest.

Dean was trusted by everyone who knew him. He was honest with his opinions, and he was straightforward with his thoughts. Dean had a strong sense of loyalty to the people he loved. He would do anything to protect them, to support them, and help them. There was a presence about him and an intensity. He looked you straight in the eye, and you felt the keenness of his intelligence and the force of his personality. He didn’t need to advertise it. He didn’t insist on being recognized. But there was something about him that commanded respect when he walked into the room and his integrity was never doubted.

Dean was extremely proud of his Jewish heritage and took pride in strength and defiance in the face of bigotry. Dean was pivotal in the creation of a daily minyan to honor his parents and uncles, and the minyan became not temporary, but a permanent part of Hertz-Ner-Tamid to this day. His respect for all religions was sincere and he was eager to learn more about the many religions he encountered in his business life as well as his personal life.

A proud alumnus of the University of Washington, Dean’s fervor for Husky sports was unparalleled. Whether it was game day at Husky Stadium or a spirited discussion about his favorite team, his passion and excitement were infectious. As a long-time Tyee member and football season ticket holder, he rooted for the Huskies not only at Husky Stadium but also at away games and bowl games – Orange Bowl 1985, Sugar Bowl 2024, National Championship game 2024, Rose Bowls, etc.

Dean’s business often took him to many countries throughout his lifetime. In Europe, Asia, and South America he developed long-term business relationships and friendships with suppliers and others in the food industry. As a young man he would travel with his father, then later with Gwenn, often joined by close friends as well as his son, Rob. Besides his passion for travel, he enjoyed fine wine, fine dining, music, friends and family, fast cars and driving those cars way too fast. Many of his passengers fondly recall Uncle Dean’s driving!

Dean is survived by his wife, Gwenn, son, Rob (Andrea), grandsons, Sam and Josh, sister, Melanie, and numerous nieces and nephews, family, friends, and all who knew him fondly as ‘Uncle Dean’.

Dean’s legacy will continue as we grieve our loss and appreciate his giving nature and contributions! Zichrono livracha; “May his memory be a blessing”. For those wishing to honor Dean’s memory, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the following: Swedish Heart & Vascular Institute fund at Swedish Foundation at https://give.swedishfoundation.org/heart or mailed to Swedish Foundation, 747 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122, or the UW Medicine Digestive Health Center at give.uwmedicine.org or mailed to: UW Medicine Advancement, Attn: Gift Processing, Box 358045, Seattle, WA 98195/checks payable to “UW Foundation.” include “Digestive Health Center” on the memo line, or the Polack Food Bank via Jewish Family Services at jfsseattle.org.