On Friday April 8, 2022, Dean passed away peacefully in Victoria at the Sunset Lodge. He was 90 years old. He is predeceased by his wife Mimi and survived by his four children (Jeff, Ed, Bill and Rebecca), eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
Dean Blair lived a rich life filled with family, music and teaching. He earned a Bachelor of Music at Stetson University followed by a Masters of Music in Composition from the Eastman School of Music in 1958. Upon graduating, Dean joined the music faculty of Wisconsin State University at Stevens Point. It was there he met and married the love of his life, Mimi.
In 1970, he and the family relocated from Wisconsin to Alberta to accept an associate professor position in music theory and composition at the newly-established University of Lethbridge. Over the next 25 years, Dean dedicated himself to teaching, composing and served as department chairperson for nine years. He was loved by his students and was nominated twice for the University of Lethbridge’s Distinguished Teaching Award. Dean wrote over 200 musical compositions (many on commission) covering nearly all instrumental and vocal media. A composition of his was also performed for Queen Elizabeth during one of her Canadian tours.
In 1995, Dean and Mimi retired to Victoria where they enjoyed walking nature trails, gardening and spending time with their grandchildren. Dean will be remembered for his everlasting humour, kindness and happy spirit. “I’ve lived a good life,” he often stated. He will be dearly missed.
We will be holding a celebration of life for Dean Blair on Saturday, July 16th at 2:00 pm in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC. Because Dad’s life was so immersed in teaching and music, we would love to hear from his students and music colleagues.
If you would like to contribute to Dean’s celebration of life, please contact the family through Dean’s email address.
We would welcome:
- Recorded memories (audio or video) about Dean
- Written memories about Dean
- Short In-person performances of Dean’s compositions.
- Recorded performances of Dean’s compositions (audio MP3, video MP4)
We hope to say good-bye to Dean in a way that fully celebrates all aspects of his life.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Land Trust Alliance of British Columbia https://ltabc.ca/
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
12 Responses
I first met Dean and his family in 1975. I knew him as a friend mostly in a social context and always felt he was a warm and caring man. My condolences to all his family and I will remember him again at the memorial services.
I will always remember Professor Blair’s sense of humour, his patience, and his kindness; but most of all, the twinkle in his eye and his big smile. He helped me to learn and appreciate music theory (something I had never done before!), and I am very grateful. In later years, our church choir performed several of his choral compositions (including a commissioned work), and I was proud to say he had been my teacher. Thank you, Dean Blair — you will be greatly missed.
I had the privilege of being a colleague and friend of Dean’s from 1982 until Dean and Mimi moved to Victoria.
A wonderful man, teacher and colleague, Dean was a guiding light at the U of L Music Department. His quick wit and keene sense of humour were a staple during those years.
As conductor of the University Singers, it was our honour to perform several of Dean’s compositions. His musicianship and caring to detail was a hallmark of his dedication to our art.
So many wonderful memories, I offer my sincere condolences to you all.
Warmest regards,
George Evelyn
I was a music student at the University of Lethbridge when Dean Blair was a new faculty member, helping create a real community of scholars and musicians. He was one of the most compassionate, generous, and gentle souls I encountered – with a gentle sense of humour and a deep love of his discipline.
It was my privilege to be a friend and colleague of Dean’s from 1982 until Dean and Mimi moved to Victoria. Always a bright light and wonderful teacher, colleague and friend. Dean always shared his love of life and music with us all!
I was also able to collaborate with Dean performing several of his compositions with the U of L Singers over the years. Always approachable and always caring…..that was Dean Blair!
My sincere condolences to you all!
Warmest regards,
George Evelyn
Dean introduced me to books I would never have read. I loved hearing his jokes! I saw Mimi and Dean on a weekly basis for a few years and both warmed my heart with their countless stories. It was my absolute honor to have known them both. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Dean was one of a kind.
With sincere sympathies on the passing of your father.
I will always remember his good humour and zany antics in theory classes where he tried so hard to inspire us creatively. He was always in a good mood, and always smiling. He was gracious and intellectually engaged. Absolutely pivotal to the whole identity of the Music Department at the UofL. He will be missed.
Dear Bill and family – I’m sorry to hear about your Dad’s death. He had a creative life. May you all have lasting, loving memories of him. Take care, Tracie
Dear Bill and Rebecca,
Humorous, kind, happy: exactly right! He was such a lovely man. I’m so sorry for your loss, and will be thinking of you with sympathy in the days ahead.