Dean was born February 25, 1949, and passed away peacefully at home on November 2, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was predeceased by his parents, David and Marion, and his brother Stephen. Dean was a devoted family man, leaving behind his wife of 43 years, Barbara, his children Jarret (Becky), Melanie (Kevin), Jason (Stephanie), Krista (Edgar), seven grandchildren Kieran, Mason, Abby, Matteo, Rees, Gray and Ayla, his nephews Jesse, Kyle (Amanda and baby Jackson) and niece Katy (Cam).
Dean spent his younger years living in Qualicum Beach, where he was the local newspaper boy and a swim instructor. Dean attended Brentwood College for four years, graduating in 1969. While there, he played 1st XV rugby, ran track and field, and was the head boy in grade 12.
After graduating, Dean worked in the family business, Sawyer Sewing Centre. He bought the business from his parents in 1977 and remained the owner until his retirement in 2009 when his son Jarret took over. He took a lot of pride in Sawyer’s, where customers became friends and everyday encounters turned into meaningful connections.
Dean was among the most generous and humble people you may ever have the pleasure of meeting. His kindness extended as a volunteer from Victoria to Mexico- from Rainbow Kitchen, Goward House, Pacific Animal Therapy Society to schools in Mexico, where he volunteered and sponsored many children over the years. His life motto, “Life is Good, No Bad Days,” wasn’t just something he said but a principle he lived by. He was always positive and made new connections wherever he went.
The ocean held a very special place in his heart. Over the years, he and Barb enjoyed boating off the Gulf and San Juan Islands with their friends. He loved catching crab in Cadboro Bay and found happiness teaching others about crabbing and sharing his catch with his family and friends in the community. Dean and Barb also enjoyed many years of RVing with their friends all over the West Coast and as far down as Mexico.
Dean’s legacy is one of love, connection, and celebration. He smiles down at us, watching us carry on his traditions. He will always be remembered as the “fun guy” with a gift for making others feel special.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at 2:00 pm at the Uplands Golf Club, 3300 Cadboro Bay Road, Victoria, BC.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Victoria Rainbow Kitchen Society, where Dean was a volunteer, and choose “Dean Sawyer Memorial Fund” from the Fund drop-down menu.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Jessica Leung
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Kate Scoones I’m so saddened to learn of Dean’s passing. I’ll remember him for his zest for life and for his kindness. He will be missed.
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Patti Miller Dean was always such a fun addition to our family’s lives,from way back in the 60’s to present day. Godfather to a nephew, and close friend of a brother, he was always far more like a fun Uncle, or cousin.
A ready smile, a joyous laugh, and genuine concern at how you were doing just came naturally to Dean. We’ll miss him. Not one to say no to gatherings of friends and family, he’ll always stay close for each milestone and celebration. Our love and sympathy to Barb, Dean’s family and many friends.
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Linda Pendray My sincere condolences to the Sawyer Family. Jarret, Becky and Family my thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Hugs from Linda P.
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Gwen oliver I was shocked and saddened with news of Deans passing. He was a huge part of my teenage years, so much fun, happy and a great friend. To know him was to love him. My sincere condolences.
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Kelly Wilk My condolences to the family and Barb !! Love to all ❤️ RIP Dean I will always remember the good times we had !!
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Kirk & Bea Northcott Dean will be greatly missed by his family, friends and community. It was back in the late70s and 80s I first met Dean when I would drop into Sawyer Sewing Centre to discuss advertising. After we both semi retired we would meet for lunch with mutual friends. One Sunday, we were pleasantly surprised when Dean and Barb brought us some freshly caught crab. Our heartfelt sympathies Barb to you and all the family.
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Karen Dearborn My condolences to Dean’s family and friends. I knew Dean from Sawyers Sewing Centre. Every single request for contributions to a sewing show, quilt show or embroidery event were greeted with a hearty yes! I found him to be beyond generous. I know that he will live on in the hearts of those that love him, but that seems like cold comfort when he’s no longer there to hold and cherish.
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Dave Manhas Sincere heart felt condolences go out to the Sawyer family in the passing of Dean. An unassuming true gentleman with an infectious smile.My first year at Brentwood in 1968 is when I met Dean,a great rugby player,but more importantly a kind human being with a warm
spirit. I am very humbled and fortunate to have had the gift of knowing such an ambassador to mankind. Rest in peace respected brother…. will be greatly missed by ALL that had the pleasure of knowing you.Respectfully,
Dave Manhas
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Dori Hopko A heartfelt sadness for the loss of Dean. He always had the biggest smile.
Dean was always willing to help you out in anything you were doing.
He will be sadly missed, condolence Barb and family.Dori Hopko
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Tom and Charlene HENRY From the first day that Dean and Barb moved their trailer into Honeymoon Bay Resort on Lake Cowichan and he yelled out “hey, do you like fresh crab” I became a big admirer of Dean Sawyer. As the years past I realized he was a real, genuine, nice guy, (and the crabs kept coming). He always took the time to chat and honestly wanted to know how you were. He never ever complained and was very upbeat about life, big on family and a consummate gentleman.
So sorry Barb, Mel and Kevin for your loss.
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Richard Reeson Dean was a very good person, as was his father, and always the life of the party. He enjoyed life greatly and lived life to the fullest. Most of us walk life’s highway, Dean ran it. Dean was steadfast in his principles and unwavering in his support for his many friends and those less fortunate in life. Dean will be missed by everyone he had contact with as he was a friend to all those who had the joy to know him.
We are remembering him with great affection and deep sadness in his passing.
Our deepest condolences.
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Mary and Jim Brackenbury We always treasured one of Goward House’s most hard-working and happiest volunteers. He and Barb made a great pair there. Also it was such fun in the days when we all belonged to PATS. We will miss him!
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Barb Alexander I only knew Dean through his store but he always took the time to walk over and say hello – genuinely having a friendly chat, making you feel like so much more than a customer. He valued his loyal customers and he earned that loyalty. Turning the business over to Jarret seemed like just the right thing to do – keeping this a family business. He would still be seen in the store from time to time and just like the old days would come over to say hello. It was like popping into Cheers after work – Dean always knew your name. He ran his business the way we would all like to run ours if we had one. He really was a decent human and now that I’ve read his obituary and learned more about his life, I am even more impressed with the man.
My sincere condolences to all of Dean’s family. You’re made from very good stock!
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Jim Findlay Our hearts go out to the Family, Dean loved life more than anyone I have known, so much fun over the years going on trips with Dean and Barb. Yes No Bad Days
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Patti Findlay I attended Qualicum Beach Senior Secondary the same time as Dean. I had a huge crush on him. I never knew Dean after we left school but after reading these words on his obituary, it’s obvious that he was a very special man. My condolences go out to his family.
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Robert Kahn My deepest condolences on the passing of your father Jarret. I’ll always have good memories of having dinner with your family… and Dean taking my sons and my wife out crabbing. He was a very special man who will be dearly missed.
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Gord Sprecher Connie and I shared so many times with Dean and Barb. Started out on Salt Spring Island, many memories. Then in town, the many lunches out, dinner at their place, dog sitting and our great trip to Alaska. Dean and I spent many times out crabbing, golfing, boating and yes I even talked him into fishing trips to Port Renfrew. He was my pal. He will be sooo missed by us. The hardest thing that happens is that he is just gone… gone never to see his great smile, his humour, his compassion for mankind, a big hole in our hearts.. Dean you were and are a great inspiration to mankind, one last rum and coke ok….Condolences to his family and to Barb we all share in your loss.
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Ron McDowell Dean truly loved life. Donna had the pleasure of working with the Sawyer clan for many years and loved them all. He had a lot of love in his heart and will be truly missed by so many. We are so grateful to have known him in our lives. My condolences to all family & friends. What a guy!
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Carol and Doug Romain Dino we will miss you terribly, your students in Mexico will all remember you for the rest of their lives. You changed their futures and the futures of their families. We still see the little dresses all over town that you brought from your sewing group. Typical Sawyer’s great quality and made with love.
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Richard Chadwick Dean will be missed by many. He was a genuine “stand up” guy, full of fun, life, and adventure! Dean left this planet way too soon, but did leave it in a better way with lots of wonderful memories to be shared amongst family, and friends.
Safe travels, my friend!
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Dinah Andigoni Chadwick Sending my condolences to you all and wishing I could be there for the Celebration of Life that this truly, wonderful, man deserves. Though I only met him a few times, his kindness and zest for life made him the man he was. God bless .
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Sandi-Jo Ayers Wow an amazing family man who will be missed immensely. Jarret and Becky and family we are praying for you during this very difficult time
Hugs and love
John and Sandi-Jo Ayers
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Craig St. Pierre Larger than life…….and lived it to the fullest! We will all certainly miss you my friend! Big hugs to the entire Sawyer family.
I will greatly miss having Dean in my chair. He was always a ray of sunshine and I always looked forward to seeing him and hearing all his stories. It has been a great pleasure for getting to know him and for doing his hair for past 9 years. My condolences to the family.