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Letter from the John Wayne Family Wayne Enterprises July 2011 Dear Dean, Over fifty years ago in a tiny town in Texas began a friendship with our family that has transcended generations. On the set of the movie The Alamo, we first met a handsome young stuntman by the name of Dean Smith. While working on this movie, he earned a permanent spot in ten John Wayne films and many John Ford movies. He also cemented a place in our hearts and family. Many times in Hollywood, friendships made on movie sets end with the wrap party, but not our friendship with Dean. Through the years we have appreciated the support and love that Dean has given our family. When our patriarch, John Wayne, passed away, he was there to offer a shoulder for us to cry on and prayers to help us move forward. Dean traveled with the family to Washington, DC, when we were presented with our father’s Congressional Gold Medal. When he left California to live in Breckenridge, Texas, again, he kept in touch with our large family. His charitable activities have always been impressive: he has performed and participated in charities that have benefited children and cancer all of his life. In 2004, Dean put on his Dean Smith Celebrity Rodeo and donated the proceeds to the research being conducted at John Wayne Cancer Institute. Shortly after that when Dean’s own battle with cancer began, it was our turn to offer a shoulder and many prayers! The “Big C” is not enough to stop Dean; he put on another of his celebrity rodeos in 2006 for our benefit and is gone at least once a month to appear for the benefit of a charity or civic group. Whenever we need advice Dean is available and always gives us his clear vision. Debby Smith, his fabulous wife, and Finis Smith, his handsome son, are the reason that he keeps such a positive attitude. Finis is already charming the younger female generation in our family—he is a chip off the old block! We now claim them as part of our family, too. Dean’s life has been exciting; he has met people from all walks of life, been 224 Appendix all over the world, garnered many awards and accolades, and faced hardships. Through it all, his faith and love of family have carried him through. Dean has never let his battle with cancer stand in his way and is a shining example of all the values and traditions that have made our country so great and would have made the “Duke” so proud. We are so proud to be a part of your life, Dean, and part of your amazing story. Love always, The Wayne Family XO ...

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