Otis “Ky” Dewan Jr., D.M.D. (OMS ’63)

On July 4, 2020, Dr. Otis Kyron “Ky” Dewan, Jr., 86, passed away at Falmouth Hospital from COVID-19. Ky was predeceased by his parents Jennie (Jones) Dewan and Otis K. Dewan, Sr. of Whitesboro, New York, his wife Phyllis (Claus) Dewan, and their son, Otis K. “Ky” Dewan, III. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Mary DuWors Dewan, his daughter from his marriage to Phyllis, Lisa Kroah of Annapolis, Maryland, his stepson Brad Mahoney of Boston and West Falmouth, his stepdaughter, Amanda Mahoney Kuhn, and her husband, Shane Kuhn, of Fort Collins, Colorado. Kys six grandchildren are Matthew Hazelton of New York, New York, Jessica Hazelton McGuire of Huntington Station, New York, Jonathan Kroah of New Haven, Connecticut, DeLorey and Kenneth Kuhn of Fort Collins, Colorado and Willa Mahoney of Scottsdale, Arizona. Ky also leaves behind his niece, Deborah Van der Wolk of Fernandina Beach, Florida and Nantucket, Massachusetts. Finally, Ky leaves behind his beloved dogs, and constant companions, Norra and Sadie.

Ky grew up in Whitesboro, New York and graduated from Whitesboro Central High School, where he excelled in academics and athletics. He was a member of the varsity football and track and field teams and, in his senior year, won the all state championship in the 100 and 220 yard dashes. Ky then went on to Harvard College where he received his undergraduate degree in Bio-Chemistry. From there, he graduated from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and completed his fellowship in oral surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

While at Harvard, Ky played varsity football and was the Dunster House boxing champion. He was also known for his skills as a fast pitch softball pitcher, playing in various mens leagues during his fellowship in Minnesota, and then back in Massachusetts. He made many fond memories playing pickup basketball throughout the years, especially when he played with his son, Ky, and his friends, in their home driveway on the Cape. Additionally, Ky participated as baseball coach to his sons baseball teams.

Tennis was the sport that Ky most enjoyed, not only for the competition and exercise it provided, but also for the many friendships that he formed on the court. These dear friends were the connection that brought Ky and Mary together, forming a relationship wherein they both found love and companionship. Ky and Mary shared many loving years together. Being active was a foundational element of their marriage. On any given day, you could find them snowshoeing in Vermont, hiking or walking their dogs, playing tennis, or exploring the highways and byways of New England and beyond in their T@b trailer. Ky was a member of the Harbor Head Tennis Club in West Falmouth for years, and was an expert fresh and saltwater fisherman.

Throughout life, as he interacted with friends, family, and new acquaintances, Ky was always willing to give sage advice to those that sought it. He was highly intelligent and knowledgeable, but showed great patience and humility when sharing his wisdom and life lessons with his children and grandchildren. Ky was truly the family historian with an encyclopedic memory for detail and a thirst for acquiring new information.

Kys love of his family and lifelong love of learning contributed to his great qualities. He was particularly proud of his great uncle, Sargent Kady Robertson. In an expedition likened to that of Lewis and Clark, Sargent Robertson was commissioned by the Army Corp of Engineers to survey over 1600 miles of the Alaskan wilderness in 1885. In recognition of his lasting accomplishments, Alaskas beautiful Robertson River and Robertson Bridge were named after him.

During the Vietnam War, Ky enlisted in the Air Force and was permanently assigned as Chief Oral Surgeon at Otis Air Force Base, by General Curtis E. LeMay. Ky fondly remembered President John F. Kennedy and his wife driving around the base in their convertible, enjoying a moment or two of freedom from the public eye.

Most of all, Ky was known for his generous heart, his kind and compassionate way of being, and his love of family, his dogs, and the outdoors. He will be missed by all.

Visiting hours are being held from 2-7pm on Sunday July 19th at the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 584 West Falmouth Hwy (Route 28A) in West Falmouth.