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.
SOURCE: Dean Blair Obituary (1932 - 2022) - Victoria, BC - The Times Colonist (legacy.com)