Jan Melville Dyer

December 11, 1942 - December 8, 2020

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A Memorial Service will be held next year on Jan’s birthdate, December 11, 2021.

Jan Melville Dyer, architect, age 77, died on December 8th, 2020, after contracting COVID -19. Born in Cleveland on December 11, 1942 to Ray Hamilton Dyer and Georgia Ann Heiss, he grew up in Concord Twp., Lake County, and graduated from Riverside High School in 1961. His architecture degree was awarded by Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. He met Deborah Bechtol on an airplane and married her on September 14, 1968. They resided in Geauga County for over 50 years, celebrating their 52nd wedding anniversary this past fall. Even though Jan’s journey with frontal lobe dementia involved the past 18 years, Deb and he continued to travel – Africa, Mexico, Europe, Belize – most recently with Jan’s service dog, Freddie.

Jan loved being an architect, easily embracing computers – such neat details – before retiring his practice. During his lifetime, he repeatedly participated in his community: City of Chardon’s Planning Board, the Geauga Department on Aging and Ravenwood Mental Health’s building designs, and reconstruction plans for the Chardon Gazebo. He was a member of Geauga Leadership, past president of the Chardon Chamber of Commerce, and a Paul Harris Fellow of the Mentor Rotary. He volunteered for the Geauga Department on Aging’s Chore and Home Maintenance Program for five years, and in 2013, they honored him as Outstanding Senior Citizen of the Year.

He loved being a father and stated often that his life’s greatest achievement was raising his children: daughter, Alicia Dyer Albota (husband Marcel) and son, Aaron J. Dyer (wife Katherine). Within the past 5 years, he and Deb welcomed three grandchildren: Evianna Albota, Andrew Dyer, and Keely Dyer. Jan is also survived by his brother, Colby Dyer, a maternal aunt, Betty Jane Barnes, nieces, nephews, cousins, and sisters -in-law.

A member of the Cleveland Sports Car Club and Ecurie-De Sports Car Club, Jan liked stamp collecting, genealogy, family get-togethers, and parties. Mild-mannered, he was known for his witty one-liners and welcoming smiles.

A memorial service will be held on his birthdate, December 11, in 2021. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Geauga Senior Center, 12555 Ravenwood Dr., Chardon, OH, 44024.

Arrangements by Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 116 South Street, Chardon, Ohio. Information and condolences on-line at www.burrservice.com.

Burr Funeral Home & Cremation Service

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A Memorial Service will be held next year on Jan’s birthdate, December 11, 2021.

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I had the pleasure of meeting Jan when he was a passenger on my bus with Geauga transit. He was very proud of his career being an architect and the knowledge and wisdom that he was able to offer the city of Chardon.

So sorry to hear about Jan's passing. He and I worked closely for many years and enjoyed sharing office space early on in our careers and had remained friends throughout the years. He will be missed. I look forward to the memorial service in 2021. Deepest condolences and prayers for Jan's Family. Sincerely, Bob Doyle

I remember Jan from Riverside High School as very kind and easy to talk to. I enjoyed catching up with him at our high school reunions.

Dear Deborah and Family, I am so very sorry to hear of Jan's passing. I will always remember his smile and how he loved to make others smile! I remember him playing Santa's helper each year at the senior center! You are all in my thoughts and prayers.