KENNETH R. "KEN" DEWAR

1939 - 2025

DEWAR, Kenneth R. "Ken" Passed away surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, after several weeks at Lahey Hospital in Burlington, MA, from complications from pneumonia. Ken was the son of the late Mabel A. (Hay) and Walter R. Dewar of Somerville, and his identical twin brother, Walter L. Dewar. He was the beloved husband of Jennifer C. (Riblet) Dewar, and the devoted father of Heather L. (Dewar) Dinsmore and her husband, Paul J. Dinsmore of North Billerica and Laurie E. Dewar of Amesbury. Ken was the proud and loving Papa to Kelly B. (Dinsmore) Shuty and husband, Benjamin A. Shuty of Normal, IL, Joseph W. Dinsmore and his partner, Moira Fagan of Billerica and Ryan K. Dinsmore and partner, Bella Foley of Reading; as well as the cherished great-grandfather to Estella Foley-Dinsmore and Baby Shuty (due in November 2025). Ken was the beloved brother of Walter L. Dewar and his wife, Jean A. of Woburn, and proud uncle to nephew Eric W. Dewar and his wife, Greta J. and their children, Theo B. and Ronan L. of Burlington, and niece, Lindsey A. Dewar of Arlington and her late husband, Jerry Nolan. He also leaves behind many dear friends who brought him much joy. Ken was born and raised in Somerville and graduated from Somerville High School in 1957. He attended college at Tufts University, where he majored in geology, graduating in 1961. He was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa and ROTC. Although he had a degree in geology, Ken decided to pivot into banking, specializing in lending. He worked for BayBank in Waltham for over 25 years and then at several other banks in MA and NH, before taking a job with Leader Mortgage, where he officially retired. Growing up, Ken attended the Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church, where he sang in the choir from middle school through his college years. It is here where he met his wife, Jennifer, who was attending Jackson College for Women. They were married in May 1966 at the Brick Presbyterian Church in New York City. In 1968, they joined the Presbyterian Church in Burlington, where he and Jen sang in the choir and Ken served as an elder, the church treasurer, and on various committees for many years. In addition, he became active in the Presbytery of Boston, serving as their treasurer for over 30 years. Ken and Jen moved to Billerica in 1969 and had two daughters, Heather and Laurie. They spent summers at their cottage on Cape Cod in South Dennis, where they made lasting memories. It was while they were on one of these vacations that they adopted their cherished golden retriever, Bonnie. Ken was someone you wanted to know. He had a way of making you feel welcome and part of the group. He had deep and unwavering faith that guided him as a son, brother, husband, father, uncle and friend. He lived by the Golden Rule, doing for others what he would want done for him, although through his generosity, he never expected anything in return. He was a giver, not a taker and lived by "let go and let God." He was a wonderful and patient teacher and had a delightful sense of humor and view on life. His love for his wife and daughters was unwavering, and he was willing to sacrifice anything for their comfort and happiness. Visiting Hours: Memorial Visitation will be at Burns Funeral Home, 354 Boston Road, BILLERICA, MA, on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 pm. Relatives and friends invited. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Presbyterian Church, 335 Cambridge Street, Burlington, MA, on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 10:30 am, with a luncheon to follow. The Interment of his ashes will be private for family and held at a later date. In lieu of flowers (due to an allergy in the family), you are welcome to make a donation to the Lupus Foundation, the PKD Foundation, Habitat for Humanity or the charity of your choice.

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