Dylan Hoen

Dylan was an engineer from toddler-hood. He always had a curious mind and an innate drive to discover how things work. As a neurodivergent in a neurotypical society he taught us all different ways of seeing the world. School was not always easy for Dylan but once he entered Oaklands Elementary school and had Don Samuelson as a teacher, school improved for Dylan. This exceptional teacher focused on Dylan’s many strengths, especially math and science. This launched Dylan on a successful path through Arbutus and Mt Douglas High where Dylan excelled in math and physics. He placed in the top 7 on Vancouver Island on the Euclid Mathematics Contest (1999-2000) and 4th in BC and 34th in Canada on the Sir Isaac Newton Physics exam (1999-2000).

We were so proud when Dylan graduated from University of Victoria in 2007 with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Dylan eventually found work as a Systems Engineer with local company Reach Technologies.

Dylan loved camping, he and his partner Beth spent many weekends surrounded by family and friends partying, visiting and eating around a campfire. Dylan loved to build things, his most well known creation was a portable hot tub that he took camping. According to his cousin Staci he was very meticulous when creating a camp breakfast for all, successfully having everything perfect and ready at the same time.

Dylan was always working on multiple projects, he was better at “thinking outside the box” than “inside the box”. He was a brilliant mind.

As his mom I was so very proud of what a kind and caring man Dylan became. He was a helpful and a kind partner to Beth and he was constantly helping his friends and supporting them through tough times. He also had a unique and gentle sense of humour that endeared him to all.

Sadly, Dylan passed away due to complications from brain surgery. He spent six weeks in Victoria General Hospital ICU, with family and loved ones often at his side. It was a special moment when Beth appeared every afternoon after her workday, Dylan’s face would light up when she entered his room.

Despite the doctors’ and nurses’ best efforts and due to so many heartbreaking setbacks, recovery was not to be. Dylan passed peacefully, surrounded by family. Thank you to the amazing VGH ICU team who took such wonderful loving care of our Dylan.

Left to mourn Dylan are his loving partner Beth Pederson, brother Brian Hoen, father Phil Hoen, mom Debbie Swift, StepDad Keith, Grandmother Shirley Swift, many cousins, aunts and uncles. Special thanks to cousins Jeff and Staci, friends Adam and Rose, Uncle Bart, Aunty Judi and Grandma for visiting Dylan so often in the hospital. He was greatly comforted by your visits. Beth, Phil and Debbie are very grateful.

A Celebration Of Dylan’s Life will be held at First Memorial Funeral Services reception room at 2pm Tuesday December 19th at 4725 Falaise Dr in Saanich. Dylan’s family and his friends are welcome to attend.

Flowers are gratefully declined. If so desired, donations to Imaging Is Power – Victoria Hospitals Foundation would be appreciated. This is a fundraising drive to upgrade medical imaging equipment at our two Victoria Hospitals, equipment that was used multiple times in Dylan’s care.