It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dean, beloved spouse of Olga after several years of courageous battles with cancers. He knew his daughters were all travelling home with their families so he waited for all to arrive home along with the boys at home in Dryden so all could be with him at his bedside. A remarkable husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend that will be loved and cherished forever leaving a void that will be hard to fill.
Dean was born in Fort Frances and remained a proud down homer and also spent many years in Ear Falls as his daughters were growing up. He was a proud individual with work ethic at the top of his priorities which were profound gifts he passed on to all of his children who now pass on to their own children. His concerns in his final days were the work time family was missing and they needed to get back home! Dean, being a hard worker himself, worked for 44 years as a machine operator in the woodlands division with various contractors until his retirement in 2009. He enjoyed time spent at camp in the outdoors, fishing, and spending time with family and new found friends too. He was born and spent his early years until age 12 on a farm and has always had a love for farming and spent several weeks of his holidays during his working years on the farm in Rainy River with this daughter Nicole and family until such time they retired from farming and moved to new jobs. He came home one day being frustrated with his adventures at the farm and informed me that he finally figured out why cows were so dumb, it was because they fall on their head when they were born. He had an opportunity to travel during his retirement including an Alaskan Cruise, a few Las Vegas trips and travelled to most of the provinces in Canada. He loved the Eastern provinces the most and absolutely loved the fresh seafood! There were plans for a return to the East Coast but many obstacles got in the way. He absolutely loved to play cards and also loved to win! The past two summers many games of crib and canasta were shared with all the kids and grandkids home. When there was no one to play the games, he fought it out with his laptop and said it was always rigged as he couldn’t win enough games! We started a new game this past summer called Farkle and many hours were spent playing outside on the deck in the summer time and even up to most recently this winter. Many fun filled afternoons were spent at Dryden Go-Getters playing Canasta, Euchre and Crib until Covid. Those times were missed immensely as well as all the good times with friends, potlucks etc. He loved his sports didn’t miss a Blue Jay’s game, or a Maple Leaf’s Game and we travelled to many curling events and watched hours together on TV. He was always a Cleveland Brown’s fan but was starting to waiver to the Tennessee Titans when Mike and the girls became Titan fans and sported their fan wear.
Dean will be deeply missed by his spouse Olga of 31 years, daughters Leah (Brad) Derry Newmarket, ON, Nicole (Andrew) Brumwell Regina SK, Carrie (Sean) McGinnis Cambridge, ON, Sonia (Paul) Attisano Milton, ON, Mike (Chrystal) Kellar Dryden, ON and Marty (Shyla) Kellar Dryden, ON as well as his wonderful grandchildren Zach, Mitchell and Brooklyn Derry; Bryer, Gavin, Trista and Cameron Brumwell; Liam and Payton McGinnis; Xander and Kaylee Attisano and Blakely and Brielle Kellar and sister Vi Pollard from BC and many friends and extended family.
Dean was predeceased by his lovely granddaughter MacKenzie Rae Benjamin in 2020 and his brothers Ralph, Mervin, Marion, Alfred, Don, Alvin and his sister Hazel and parents David and Matilda Benjamin.
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Allan and Kelly Marion from Kelowna bc says
January 21, 2022 at 6:36 pmOur deepest sympathy to you Olga and families. I knew Dean since I was quite young and he always had a smile or a joke to give. RIP Dean.
Lori Walker says
January 21, 2022 at 7:12 pmHeartfelt condolences to all the family but especially his daughters that I knew well from when they lived in Ear Falls. Dean was an especial favorite of mine in my early years and I know he will be missed by everyone who knew him. May he RIP.
Jackie McMurrich says
January 21, 2022 at 7:37 pmI was so sorry and saddened to hear about the loss of Dean. He always made me laugh and welcomed everyone into his home. My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family at this time.
Debbie Felske says
January 21, 2022 at 10:09 pmOlga and your lovely family.
Mike and I were so very sorry for your loss of your amazing Husband , Dad and Grandfather.
Dean’s obituary described so well the wonderful and loving gentleman he was and it was so very well written.
It helped us to better know him and the interesting life he lived and his love of family and friends.
Dean was a great role model to all who knew him and benefited from all he shared of himself with others.
We know you will miss him so much but as you remember all of the enjoyable times you had together you will feel his warmth and love and those memories you share will never leave you.
We wish you all the best and know that we are thinking about each of you.
Sincerely
Mike Armstrong and Debbie Felske
Glenn and Christine Straight says
January 21, 2022 at 11:34 pmDear Olga and family. We were deeply saddened to hear of Dean’s passing. He was a kind, compassionate and hard working man. Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time.
Phil & Carmen Williamson says
January 23, 2022 at 1:31 pmWe were saddened to hear of Dean’s death. We had a good visit and met you, Olga, at at a family gathering in Fort Frances, several years ago. Our sincere condolences. Phil & Carmen Williamson
Tom Reid says
January 24, 2022 at 8:49 pmDear Olga my condolences to you and all the family
Michael Russell says
January 26, 2022 at 3:02 pmCondolences to the Leah, Nicole, Sonia, Carrie, and the Benjamin’ family. Many memories from all those judo trips we had while living in Ear Falls.
He will be missed by all. RIP
Tom Guercio says
January 26, 2022 at 3:26 pmOur deepest sympathies.
The Guercio family.
Olga Benjamin says
February 7, 2022 at 6:26 pmThanks Tom, Chris, Matthew and family so greatly appreciated … from so far away. Take care.
Olga and families
Louis-Paul Gagné says
February 2, 2022 at 2:56 pmCondolences to you and all your family.
Paulo Gagne, Rivière-du-Loup. Québec
Olga Benjamin says
February 7, 2022 at 6:23 pmThank you Paulo and greatly appreciated … we will always remember the wonderful visits we had at your home, so welcoming. Take care too.
Olga
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Ian Anderson Hospice in Oakville, ON - https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/ian-anderson-house-foundation/ - a wonderful place that took exceptional care of our lovely granddaughter MacKenzie in her final weeks in 2020 or through the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3.
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