By Nicole Hamilton
The Cincinnati Enquirer

KENWOOD - After Robert Dehan lost the ability to speak clearly because of Lou Gehrig's disease, he still didn't see much reason to stop working as chief executive of Besl Transfer Co.Even if it meant holding meetings at his Kenwood home.

"(His illness) affected his body but not his mind. He found a way to keep working. He loved helping people," said his daughter, Kelly Dehan, who worked alongside her father at the trucking company for 20 years.

Robert C. Dehan died Monday at his home after battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis for 11/2 years. He was 67.

Mr. Dehan graduated from Wilmington High School and spent a year in Washington, D.C, where he trained with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

After earning a bachelor's degree in business administration from Xavier University, Mr. Dehan worked for Schipper's Express for 13 years, before accepting a position with Besl Transfer in Winton Place.

His daughter said he cared greatly for his employees and Winton Place neighbors, speaking out against the development of a landfill in the area.

"Cincinnati and Winton Place lost a good friend at the passing of Robert C. Dehan," said Cincinnati Councilman David Crowley. "He fought hard on the side of the community for a safe and clean environment."

In addition to his daughter, survivors include two sons, Michael of Madeira and Kevin of Brooklyn, N.Y.; a sister, Anne Santangelo of Mount Lookout; two brothers, Michael of Bedford, Ky., and Daniel of Wilmington; two grandchildren; his former wife, Judith Sharp of Hyde Park; and his companion, Susan Bedsole of Kenwood.

Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. today at Weil Funeral Home, 8350 Cornell Road, Montgomery. Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Friday at St. Xavier Church, 607 Sycamore St., downtown.

Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Montgomery.

Memorials: A church of choice or Catholics United for the Poor, PO Box 14548, Cincinnati, OH 45250.

E-mail nhamilton@enquirer.com