Dean passed away peacefully May 6th after suffering from declining health due to dementia.
Predeceased by his wife Ann in 2012, he is survived by his sons Ian (Janis) and Kyle, his daughter Susan of New York; grandkids Carson and Sophia, his second wife Helen, his sisters Betsy and Mary (Don), and his brother Jim (Marion) of Vancouver.
A lover of lifelong learning, Dean graduated from UBC with a Masters in Adult Education, and went on to work at the BC Vocational School in Nelson, Cariboo College in Kamloops, and in Victoria, at the Ministry of Advanced Education, The University Presidents’ Council, finishing his career at the University of Victoria. He had a wide variety of interests, including a stamp collection of British East Africa, worship with St. Aidan’s United Church, a love of social gatherings and outdoors activities. There was a special place in his heart for his garden and his rhododendron collection, which he took particular pride in showing to people. Above all else, he loved his family and loved spending time with them, whether in Victoria, Vancouver or the family cabin on the Sunshine Coast.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Alzheimer Society of BC or the BC Schizophrenia Society. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:30 am, on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Broadview United Church, Arbutus Site 2625 Arbutus Rd.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Marion Willemsen
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Norma Jean Gomme (Fowler) Dear Helen, Susan, Ian and Kyle:
On behalf of my late mother Mary, my father Reid and the rest of the Fowler family, I offer my sincere condolences. Our memories of Dean are almost exclusively from the Sunshine Coast, where my family formed part of the chain of “shirt tail relatives” with a cabin down the way. It seems odd to think he won’t be stopping in for tea with a new story, set of stamps or rhodo tales. He was a gentle soul with a smile for everyone. Please take care of each other.
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Don Craigmyle My Condolences, Helen. I remember how kind you were to Mum and that you and Dean came to Mum’s street party for her 100th birthday, even during Covid. Happy memories; may they give you great pleasure.
Don
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Annie Shum I’ve been friends with Mr. Goard’s daughter, Susan, since kindergarten, so he was like a second dad to me. He had this special way of making everyone feel welcome. Whenever I visited, he took the time to share his stamp collection, a dad joke, a gardening tip, or his latest slides. On their neighbourhood walks, Mr. Goard always had a friendly wave and hello for my parents. After meeting him for the first time, my kids were already asking for another visit on the car ride home. His kindness and rhododendrons made this world is a more beautiful place. He will be greatly missed.
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Bruce Hamilton Condolences to all. Time slips by .. and we lose touch
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Nicole Branton Many years ago, he was the father to one of my closest friends in high school, and I remember him as a welcoming person who, like my father, delighted in challenging and making fun of us as teenagers. Over the years, his daughter and I have had limited contact since we have ended up on different paths and on opposite sides of the world, but I remember him fondly as an inspiration for chasing your own path.
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Cynthia Hamilton So sorry to hear about Dean’s passing. Hard to keep up with all the extended family. I know my late father (Dean’s cousin) would have been saddened and I can only extend my deepest condolences to all my 2nd cousins and their families. Not sure if I can make the service, but you are all in my thoughts at this sad time.
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Bill Parker I worked with Dean many years ago when I was relatively new to the Ministry of Advanced Education and he was with the University Presidents Council. Dean was a fount of knowledge and very patient with my learning curve. I still recall with pride that he came to refer to me as his “favourite petty bureaucrat”. Dean was a good man and I was saddened to learn of his passing.
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Julia Day Mike and I were both so sorry to learn of Dean’s passing. He was an absolutely wonderful person and was much admired and respected by all who knew him.
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Bob Strother Many hours in great conversation with Dean at St Aidan’s.
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Ann wilmut With a heavy heart we send our condolences to all the family. Dean and Ann were our neighbours for 35 years and we enjoyed a close and affectionate relationship. I loved Dean’s garden (he not so much mine) and Ann’s literary mind. We shared many dinners and good conversations. Much love to all, Ann, Mike, Morag and Keir
I had the pleasure of visiting with Dean and Helen at the Berwick House. I always thought I was pretty good at crosswords until they consistently kicked my butt! Dean was a true humanitarian and curious intellect. I miss our walks and truly edifying conversations. He was an inspiration.