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
25 Responses
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.
My condolences to the family and Barb !! Love to all ❤️ RIP Dean I will always remember the good times we had !!
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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!
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!