April 9, 1958 – November 27, 2025
With deep sadness, the family of Dean Bruyere announces his passing on November 27, 2025. Born on April 9, 1958, Dean grew up in Fort Frances and proudly graduated from Fort Frances High School with the Class of 1976.
On June 22, 1996, Dean married the love of his life, Peggy, and together they created a home filled with love, laughter, and warmth. Dean was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. His greatest pride was his daughter Jasmine, and he adored his fur-babies Mia, Sadie, Jasmine, and Bootsy, who were always close by his side.
Dean was predeceased by his parents Ruth and Ralph Bruyere; step-father Jim Banks; siblings Lucille Jones, Robin Bruyere, Greg Bruyere, Lindsay Bruyere, and Warren Bruyere; as well as in-laws Buzz and Marie Grenier; and brother-in-law Percy Stamler.
Cherishing his memory are his loving wife Peggy; daughter Jasmine; and his siblings Richard (Marlis), Joan, Julie (Don), Lorraine (Jurgen) Lang, Louanne, Gary (Mandy), Jackie, and Don Bruyere. He is also survived by his in-laws Victor (Twila) Stamler, Carrie Lynn (Pat) Murphy, Pete (Kim) Gardiman, Carey (Bev) Grennier, and Dina Gardiman.
Uncle Dean leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews: Theresa, Randy, Susie, Steven, Lindy, Chris, Sheri, Ron, Lindsay, Rachel, Jamie, Michael, Miranda, Olivia, Ashley, Matthew, Kayla, Izzy, Ava, Jordan, Kyle, Cody, Aaron, Michael, Spencer, Judd, and Kobe – and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom he cared for deeply.
Dean lived a life grounded in community, teamwork, and service. His passion for sports began early – he played junior football from 1970–72, then played Muskie football from 1973–77, serving as team captain in his final two years. After high school he played one season in Winnipeg before a knee injury ended his playing career. His love for the game never faded. Dean went on to coach Grade 6–8 football, later joining the Muskie coaching staff where he helped guide multiple championship teams. He remained devoted to the Muskie Football program, stepping in whenever needed and continuing to talk football long after retiring – always offering encouragement, insight, and the wisdom of a true mentor.
Dean’s passion for athletics also continued through his role as General Manager of the Thunderhawks Sr. Hockey Team (who played in the Allan Cup in 2012), where he proudly supported local athletes and contributed to the Borderland sports community.
Throughout his career, Dean dedicated himself to serving others. He worked with the Ministry of Natural Resources as a firefighter, Grand Council Treaty #3, Health Canada, and as the Health Manager for Couchiching First Nation. He also sat on the board for Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre. Most recently, he worked at Couchiching First Nation as the Jordan’s Principle Manager.
Dean formed lifelong friendships that meant the world to him. The honourary pallbearers will be his wedding party – individuals who held a special place in his heart and supported him throughout his life: Chaz Perrault, Don “Sloth” Roth, Glen “Potsy” Pitkanen, Larry Beck, Pete Gardiman, Chuck Quirie, David “Roch” Wright and Chuck Armit.
Dean will be remembered for his humour, his warmth, his unwavering loyalty, and his ability to make everyone feel welcome. His loss is felt deeply, but his legacy lives on in every story, every team he coached, and every life he touched.
A gathering of friends and family will be held on Wednesday, December 3, at 10:00 a.m. at the Multi-use facility in Couchiching First Nation, Ont.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario.
