With deep sadness, Bob passed away on March 8, 2020 in his 74th year. Born in Toronto. He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of 51 years, Catherine Ann Dean, proud daughters Melissa, Jennifer, son-in-law Colin, and his two step-grandchildren Ethan and Jonas. Everyone adored his superb humour, intelligence, love of family, adventure, art, and tee-off times.
Bob worked in the mining industry for 32 years, which graced him with the hustle of downtown Toronto and the solitude of a pristine lake in Northern Ontario. He spent the majority of his career around the renowned coastline of Lake Superior, as well as Quebec, Manitoba and the Maritimes. He was passionate about the Canadian outdoors, its rich history and its magnificent pastimes such as gardening, canoeing/boating, bird watching and Saturday Night hockey. He was a tremendous conversationalist, who was mesmerized by world issues and fascinated with different people and cultures. He was able to travel to Ireland, Portugal, England, Australia and New Zealand.
Bob couldn’t pass up a homemade spaghetti meatball dinner or a big BBQ with Mom’s Caesar salad and a baked potato (of course). He was a big kid at heart. He loved ice cream cones, cookies with tea, and anything Italian. Bob’s humour was indelible. He affected everyone around him with his quick wit and love of simplicity. He was happy watching a western movie or a weekend of golf on tv. Bob was in his element when he was enjoying a good day of golf, while driving his ball off the tee, to the back of the green. Time for a beer and a hot dog. These moments were bliss for him.
Bob was loyal, committed and relentless. His truest love and compassion was for his family and our dogs, Heidi and Maggie. He was always expressing extra concern for those he loved. He would always do something small, to make you feel big. Bob was a proud father, doting husband and honourable family man. He always spoke fondly about his summer outdoor parties on Lake Couchiching with Mom, and his lifelong friends.
The last four years, Bob and his wife Catherine created a home on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, closer to immediate family on the west coast. His humour, kindness, and creativity are inextricably woven into all our hearts, forever.
A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, March 16, 2020 at 3:00 pm in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be greatly appreciated by the family to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation https://www.heartandstroke.ca/get-involved/donate and the Canadian Guide dogs. .https://bcandalbertaguidedogs.com/donorcentre/donate-now
“Sail Away Dad”
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Leissa
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Nikki Sullivan Dear Mrs. Dean, Jenny and Colin, Melissa, Ethan and Jonas,
There is no rule book. There will be no set time frame. I wish you all no judgement for your grieving journeys. Grief is an individual process. I send you all blessings and so much love as you come together today to celebrate your partner, your beloved husband, your love, your friend, your father and grandfather. Do whatever feels right to each of your souls and may you have the love and compassion to support one another in your own, unique ways. I hope amongst the many wonderful memories there may be laughter through the tears and the spark of his humour peppered throughout your days.
My heart is with you all.
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Janis Klipper Mrs. Dean, Jenny, Melissa and family, my heart goes out to each one of you as you gather together for this celebration of life. I had the honour of briefly meeting Mr. Dean while walking with Jenny to meet her Dad for lunch. Although a very short encounter, Mr. Dean managed to touch my heart in a very endearing way…My prayers are with you as you continue to walk through this journey of loss and grieving together.
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Victoria Dear Jenny and family,
I send love and heartwarming thoughts to you all during this time. Your dad will always be in your heart <3
Big hugs
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Sheila Dolan Cathy, Jennifer (and your family) and Melissa. So sorry to hear about Bob today. I unfortunately never got to know Bob well, but I do remember his sense of humor! Take care of each other and remember all of the good times you had.
Love to all!
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Sarah Padley Dear Cathy, Mel and Jen and Colin
I am so sorry for your loss. Loosing a Dad and husband is just the worst but I know that Bob lived his life to the fullest. Always a smile, joke and up for anything. We loved having him visit in Melbourne Australia, showering Tully with attention and walks and recently it was great to be able to introduce him to all the kids in Victoria, BC. Sending our love and hugs from afar in Melbourne. Thinking of you all.
Sarah, Stew, Mitch, Grace and Callum
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Kolleen Heal My deepest sympathies to the Dean family on your sudden loss. May you all find comfort and support with one another during this very sad time. My heart is with you all.
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Sandie & Tony Dunne Cathy, Jennifer & family & Melissa, once the celebration of life is over and the prayers have all been said, know that we are still keeping you in our hearts as you mourn the loss of your amazing husband and father. Bob was so dearly loved, and you’re in our hearts now as you grieve. Take comfort in all of the wonderful memories you have.
Dear Mrs. Dean, Melissa & Jen,
We were so very saddened to hear about Mr. Dean. You have all always been so kinds and gracious to us and the kids. We enjoyed our visits en route to the cottage. Do you remember the time we were all chilling in the backyard in Washago and Mr. Dean decided to liven up the party with some music and “Crazy Train” came on? I didn’t know he was an Ozzy fan! Too funny. I’m passing along a poem that I quite like that someone gave to me recently.
Hugs to you all! xo
Remember Me:
To the living, I am gone.
To the sorrowful, I will never return.
To the angry, I was cheated,
But to the happy, I am at peace,
And to the faithful, I have never left.
I cannot be seen, but I can be heard.
So, as you stand upon a shore, gazing at a beautiful sea – remember me.
As you look in awe at a mighty forest and its grand majesty – remember me.
As you look upon a flower and admire its simplicity – remember me.
Remember me in your heart, your thoughts, your memories of the times we loved, the times we cried, the times we fought, the times we laughed.
For if you always think of me, I will never be gone.
-Margaret Mead