Dick Dean spreads joy on Rail Trail 1 photo at a time

Dick Dean remembers the precise catalyst behind his becoming the self-designated Methuen Rail Trail photographer.

“It was during the COVID shutdown of 2020. Everyone was feeling the isolation. (Wife) Diane and I were walking on the Rail Trail and saw sad, fearful faces, many hidden behind masks,” Dean recalls. “I just want to make people smile and feel noticed. A photo is my way of doing that. I walk the trail a few times a week to brighten people’s day, and mine too.”

Dean is well suited for this role. He has been getting folks pumped up and happy for decades as DJ Dick Dean, now retired. He was in demand at venues and clubs throughout the area. He learned how to turn the room on with laughter and energy. The move to photography was gradual, but his tactics remain the same – infusing his efforts with self-effacing humor.

Initially Dean was a point-and-shoot photographer who captured all the important moments on vacations and at special events. Then in 2016, he began learning more about photography through the Merrimack Valley Camera Club. The MVCC is a group of people who are passionate about photography. The club is open to photographers at every level with a mission of helping members achieve whatever skill level they aspire to via one-on-one connections, expert presentations and photo competitions.

MVCC President Fred Boucher said of Dean, “His images have continued to improve throughout the years that he has been a member of MVCC. Dick has submitted photographs to our club competitions which have scored very highly with many winning ribbons.”

It took a family holiday photo to impress upon him the value of a photograph. During Christmas of 2019 the family gathered, and Dean insisted on a group photo. Some family members pushed back but ultimately posed. Not long after, his daughter passed away and that last family photo provides solace and reignites happy memories.

Now, Dean is akin to the Smile Ambassador on the 2.5-mile Rail Trail. He often parks at the lot at the MSPCA at Nevins Farm to gain access to a trailhead and to give a “hello” to hand-carved unofficial trail mascot Bob the Bear, created by Bob Perreault and named by Dean. Then he heads in the direction of Salem, N.H., stopping at viewing stations, swings, bridges, benches and artwork, and engaging with people and dogs he meets along the way.

“My wife and I make our ‘models’ feel comfortable with humor, by asking permission to photograph them and letting the know when they can find their photographs. Some feel like celebrities when they learn their photos will be on the Rail Trail Facebook page.”

There is a memorial along the trail that brought with it a heartfelt story. Dean once posted a photo of the memorial on the Methuen Rail Trail Facebook page. He learned that a man who had passed had been honored by his daughters with the lovely display. After the post appeared, Dean was touched when told that, inspired by the post, many of the family’s friends were making pilgrimages to visit the memorial and sending photos and messages back to the daughters.

Methuen Rail Trail Alliance President Timothy Vermette called Dean a great guy who brings awareness to the trail through his photography: “He likes to talk to people and, from what we see, the response is very positive. And the photos and that positive experience may lead people to our website; they might volunteer, donate to the upkeep of the trail or simply pick up trash they see along the way. Through the chance encounter with Dick, they feel a personal connection to the trail and want to protect it.”

Dean has a side gig of light and joy, too. He and Diane assist Santa by making appearances as Mr. and Mrs. Claus and posing for photos. He’s visited schools, parties and shut-ins among others. He recalled one memorable exchange at an assisted-living residence. He had given a hearty “Ho Ho Ho” to all the residents he met and was being escorted out. He noticed a section of the building he hadn’t visited. He asked what lay beyond the door and was told it was the memory ward, and he didn’t need to go in there. But after asking himself, “What would Santa do?” he insisted on greeting those residents, too.

One woman sat silently clutching a naked doll. He approached her and said, “I’m sorry. It was my mistake. I didn’t bring clothes for your doll. I will next time. Can you forgive me?”

The staff was astonished when their resident, who’d always been non-verbal, replied, “I love you.”

He replied, “I love you, too.”

And returned to visit again.

At each stage of life, people get to decide what their focus will be. Dick Dean’s focus is as clear as his beautiful photos. He brightens the day of all he meets with a photo and the offer of human connection. And a smile.