Christopher Dean

Christopher John Dean passed away suddenly on February 1st, 2025, at the age of 69. He was survived by his children: Ryan Dean (Kathy Liu), Matthew Dean (Deirdre O'Reilly) and Chelsea Oosterlaken (Mike); sister, Kathy Vance; brother, Andrew Dean (Cathy); sister-in-law, Brenda Wilde; and seven grandchildren: Alan, Ida, Onóra, William, Matthew, Benjamin, and Sarah. He was predeceased by his parents, Jeanette Dean (nee Smart) and Christopher Dean; and brothers-in-law, Craig Vance and Don Cruickshank.

Christopher lived an exciting and full life that made such an impact on the people around him. He was born September 6th, 1955 in Birkenhead, England. He then moved with his family to Malaysia, followed by Singapore, and finally they settled in Canada.

Christopher started his postsecondary education with a Diploma in Recreation Technology, Therapeutic Recreation. Then he spent time working and travelling in England and Europe. He spent 3 summers working as a Camp Counselor at Camp Easter Seal, where he met Brenda Cruickshank. He graduated from the University of Saskatchewan, College of Education, in 1980.

Christopher married Brenda in 1978, and they had three children together. They shared 39 years of marriage. Christopher and Brenda did eventually divorce but they still continued to be able to support their children, and grandchildren, and attend family events together.

Christopher worked in Tramping Lake as his first teaching job from 1980- 82. He then worked at Cudworth School for 6 years. Chris and Brenda now had three children, aged 1, 3 and 5 and they decided to switch roles and moved to Saskatoon where they could be near to their parents. Chris stayed home with the children and Brenda took on full time work. He loved being home with his kids and was so proud to take them all with him to get groceries or to the gym. As they grew up, he began to work as a substitute teacher in the public schools and then moved into a part time position as a Recreation Therapist with Youth Services in Saskatoon Health Region. His last employment before retirement was Warman High School for 15 years, where he taught in the Storefront Program.

Christopher was a passionate gardener, and participated in garden tours and the horticultural society. He was also very interested in travel - from Europe, to Maui, to Peru - he took in culture, cuisine, and people! He also was an avid movie critic and concert attendee. He very much enjoyed bringing people together, be it a family gathering, a dinner party with friends or his 9 years involved as an assistant and as Area Representative of the Saskatoon Chapter of the Opimian Society.

Christopher was a devoted father. He attended his children's sports including soccer, badminton, hockey, biathlon and more. He took in choir concerts, performances by Matt and Ryan's bands, and Fringe plays. Christopher loved becoming a grandpa. He treasured each and every grandchild, and made an effort to learn their interests and attend their activities and parties. He took pleasure in sharing his own passions of books, music, and movies with them.

Most of all, Christopher was an amazing human. He would talk to everyone, learn their names, their story, and their interests. He would help anyone in a time of need. His one grandson, Benjamin said in his note to Grandpa "I had so much joy with you". This is the perfect description of time with dad. You will forever be in our hearts, as your granddaughter Sarah wrote "you are in good hands with God, he will take care of you".

A Celebration of life will be held at Saskatoon Funeral Home on Saturday, March 1st, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. with a reception to follow across the street. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association or a charity of your choice.