DEAN JOHN BAILLIE
August 12th, 1957 - June 23rd, 2024
Dean John Baillie aged 66 years of Moose Jaw, SK, passed away on Sunday, June 23rd, 2024. Dean was born in Lenvale, SK, the third child to John and Betsy Baillie. He grew up on the family farm near Lenvale, a place he enjoyed going back to visit often, whether it be to plant a garden, pick berries to make homemade wine or jam, or host one of the infamous ‘Baillie Bashes’.
He was predeceased by his mother, Betsy; father, John; brother, Ross; sister, Donna; and nephews: Bob, Darwin, and Lance.
After graduating from Melfort Composite High School Dean moved to Moose Jaw, where he lived until his passing. Dean started his career at Weston Bakery delivering bread and baked goods to Moose Jaw and surrounding area. He put in some long days, and every now and then was lucky enough to have a friend be a co-pilot and break up his day with some laughs.
In 1982, Dean met Lois Franklin from Tisdale, SK. From this union, Dean took into his world Lois’ two daughters, Heather and Darci, and loved them as his own from the beginning, until the day he passed. After Lois and Dean parted ways, Dean remained an unconditional constant love for the girls throughout the years.
Dean changed careers in the early 1990’s, beginning his career in Medical Health Records at Moose Jaw Union Hospital, where he worked for more than 25 years. In Dean’s spare time, he enjoyed working at Lowe’s Auction in Moose Jaw for many years, where sometimes he bought more antiques than they sold. Dean had a passion for his comic book collection, even passing some of them onto his grandchildren, like the Garfield and Archie ones. Dean had a love for antiques, including vintage guns and swords, and many collectors’ pieces he proudly shared the origin to anyone who was interested.
Dean was a quiet man, who will be remembered by others as a strong yet soft presence. He was always willing to lend a hand to his daughters, whether it was building a basement, doing yard work, picking kids up from school, helping with renovations and odd jobs. Although he may not have always loved it, he was always there to pitch in. Dean enjoyed many hours in his own backyard, where his bountiful and weed free garden was always something he was proud to talk about.
Dean will be fondly remembered for many things, from managing Darwin and Lance’s hockey team, to Darci and Heather remembering many slow-pitch games that ended in socializing over backyard beers. They remember countless road trips to BC camping or down to Disney one year. Dean loved and rarely missed a Saskatchewan Roughrider’s game, even in his last days in the hospital asking to listen to the recap and score of the game. In his downtime, he could often be found relaxing down at the casino. Time spent with his sister Donna in the last few years after she moved to Moose Jaw were very dear to his heart and treasured time for them both. Dean would love spending time with Heather and her family, even getting in a few snowmobile rides. Countless hours were spent with Lee out in the man cave fixing on things or just visiting over beers. Dean rarely missed one of Brielle’s drama or hip-hop productions, or Branson’s hockey games. He cherished coffee hours with Maureen, a lifelong friend, over the last few months, where they caught up on life, memories and shared many laughs. But above all else the unconditional love he fondly shared with his daughters Darci and Heather and their families is what Dean will be remembered for.
Dean is survived by his daughters, Heather Whitelaw of Tisdale, SK and Darci Baillie of Moose Jaw, SK; grandchildren: Nick, Ashtin, Zackary, Brecken, Brielle, and Branson; son-in-law, Lee Whitelaw; as well as many cousins and friends.
A Private Family Celebration of Dean’s Life will be held. For all those who knew him and have shared love, support, and well wishes over the last few weeks, Dean’s family feels truly blessed to hear all the stories and memories. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Cara Ashworth Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com
