Robert Dean Squires

1954 - 2022

SQUIRES, Robert Dean, 68, of Midlothian, Va., completed his earthly journey and entered eternal rest on June 17, 2022, following a courageous year-long struggle with lung cancer.

A servant leader, Dean was always willing to help others and to put their needs before his own, a characteristic that defined his life at work, at home and in service to his community. Dean was the friend who would give you a ride, buy you a meal or show up at your door when trouble came calling.

Born May 29, 1954, in Philadelphia, Pa., Dean was the son of the late Jim and Joan Squires. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Paula Squires; and their children, the Reverend Jessie Colwell (Nelson) and Katie Shortlidge (Jamey). Dean adored his two grandsons, Dean Nelson Colwell and John Thomas Shortlidge. He is also survived by his sister, Kathy Demaree of Annandale, Va. (David); niece, Diana Innes (Joey) of Lutherville-Timonium, Md.; nephew, Dennis Demaree of Annandale; and sister-in-law, Laura Crawford of Hampton, Va.; and an aunt, Mary Jane Lackey of Somerset, Ky.; and numerous loving cousins.

Dean grew up in North Tarrytown, N.Y., and Falls Church, Va., graduating from what was then JEB Stuart High School, where he rowed crew and played on the football team. Dean was also active in scouting, attaining the Boy Scouts' highest rank of Eagle Scout.

He attended Virginia Tech and graduated from Old Dominion University with a degree in business administration. After beginning his career in hotel management with Days Inn Hotels, he switched to commercial real estate in 1985, when he was hired by Harrison & Bates to manage office properties in downtown Richmond. This began his steady rise in the profession, with Dean going on to later become a partner and vice president with Virginia Realty and Development, prior to its merger with Advantis.

In 1997, Dean joined the Richmond office of Highwoods as director of property management. Highwoods is a real estate investment trust that owns many of the office buildings at Innsbrook Office Park in Henrico County. This was the community where Dean worked for 25 years, making many friends, while keeping buildings well-maintained and tenants happy. Promoted to senior director of asset management, Dean loved his job and served as a mentor to many colleagues.

Giving back to his community was an important part of Dean's life. He was a member of Bon Air United Methodist Church in Chesterfield County for 39 years, where he held many leadership positions, including lay leader, trustee, usher and teller.

For years, Dean also was an active member of the Innsbrook Rotary Club. He joined in 1999 and quickly became involved in fundraising efforts. He chaired the group's annual Auction for Youth, which provided funds to local nonprofits with youth missions. From 2005 to 2006, Dean led the club as president.

At the time of his death, Dean was a board member of Jackson-Field Behavioral Health Services, a nonprofit that serves children suffering from emotional trauma, mental illness and/or addiction.

The center of Dean's orbit was his family. A loving and engaged father and husband, he attended every dance recital, choral performance, ice-skating competition and soccer and field hockey game, cheering on his daughters and encouraging them to do their best. He and his wife loved to entertain family and friends at their vacation home in Wintergreen, where people could gather for skiing, tubing or a good game of Scrabble.

Despite his busy schedule, Dean always found time for a round of golf. He loved the game, although he never felt he truly conquered it. A kind, generous and compassionate man, Dean did conquer the game of life by finding joy in loving and caring for others. This legacy impacted many lives.

The family would like to thank the health caregivers who assisted Dean on his cancer journey. We are exceedingly grateful to Hospice of Virginia, who provided gracious support during the last weeks of Dean's life. Heartfelt thanks also go to the Highwoods Properties family who showered Dean and his family with prayers, cards, balloons, magazines, meals, puzzles and other thoughtful gestures while he was home.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 14, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Bon Air United Methodist Church, 1645 Buford Road, in Chesterfield County, 23235. A service celebrating Dean's life will be held at the church on Friday, July 15, at 1 p.m. A private family burial will follow at Hollywood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the America Cancer Society, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Jackson-Field. Online condolences can be posted at the website of the Cremation Society of Virginia at www.virginiacremate.com.