October 9, 1952 - April 21, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
Dean was born in Edmonton, Alberta on October 9th, 1952, to his loving parents Violet Labaschuk and Samuel Swedgan. He was the first grandson to carry the "Swedgan" name.
Growing up Dean loved to spend time on his family's farms in Athabasca, St. Paul, and Elk Point, Alberta. As a young boy, he loved tractors, shooting gophers, riding bikes, teasing his sister, and any other kind of mischief.
If there was trouble, Dean could find it. From running away from home when he was 15, to hitchhiking, to even once waking up on a rattlesnake nest, Dean compiled a lifelong list of shenanigans.
Stocky, strong, and athletic, Dean excelled at any sport he attempted including football, lacrosse, and hockey. His mother always said he should have played professional football. Dean was also one heck of a slalom water skier and barefoot skier. Nobody could produce a water ski rooster tail spray better than Dean in the eighties. He particularly enjoyed skiing the canal and slalom course at Osoyoos Lake.
He dedicated his life to helping others. He spent the majority of his career working for the Baxter Corporation and Cardinal Health.
You could always count on Dean. For over 30 years, his infectious personality was on display at hospitals throughout British Columbia as he delivered life-saving supplies. He remembered every smile of every person he met. As the saying goes, he never met a stranger and always left a positive impression on all who knew him.
When he wasn't working two or three jobs to provide the best life for his family, he loved teaching his kids how to waterski at Lake Osoyoos. There were also many Christmas vacations spent skiing at Apex Alpine and Silver Star Mountain. Dean would often remind us, "There always needs to be a Swedgan on the beach or on the slopes".
He enjoyed the simple things in life. He was happiest with friends, family, and his dogs nearby. He cared deeply for all of them, especially his Aunties. Both they and his mother loved to cook for him. They understood the way to his heart was a tummy full of homemade cabbage rolls, perogies, and poppy seed chiffon cake.
Dean was the definition of a good neighbor and was the honorary "Mayor" of 60th Avenue. His friendliness helped create a special community that truly changed and even "saved" his life.
He loved dancing, singing, and a freshly lit Players cigarette accompanied by a crisp glass of crown royal. He loved an early morning slalom ski on still waters, calls from his friends, working in his garden, a good book, and being glued to the couch on Sundays to watch his favorite teams play football.
For his retirement in 2016, he purchased a beautiful Beaver Patriot motor coach. He spent several summers traveling across Canada in the coach. Whether visiting with his daughter, camping with the O'Hows at Canyon Creek, visiting family and friends, or helping his best friend Martin at the Abbotsford Airshow, Dean would be there.
He also loved traveling to Mississippi where his mother, Violet, would catch catfish, bass, and bluegill all day. As any good son would, Dean helped her take the fish off the line and rebait it for her. They caught hundreds of fish together.
His cousin Karen was a favorite traveling companion. They traveled together extensively to Hawaii, Mexico, Arizona, and Thailand.
All the great people at West Coast Amusements held a place in Dean's heart. He cherished traveling with the Hausers and helping Bingo and Jackie over the years. During his retirement, he also made a big trip to Australia with his friend Steve. He never missed a chance to make memories wherever he went.
Dean is survived by his wonderful sister Debra O'How (Kenny), two beautiful children Curtis Swedgan (Rachel), Amber "Pickle" Swedgan (Mike), his niece and nephew Brittany and Tyler O'How, his cousin Karen Adlington, his cousin Warren Jager, his four grandchildren (Calib, Caden, Cara, and Decklin) one great-grandchild (Ezekiel), and his precious dogs Thelma and Louise.
Dean passed peacefully on April 21st at his home in 91原创.
We are so grateful for the loving care Dad received over the last week at home from Leslie and Charles, Verla, Martin, and the Johnstone family. Thank you to everyone who made Dad feel so special this last month with calls, messages, and visits. He felt the love.
Keep on truckin' Dean