July 17, 1957 — Sept. 2, 2026
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our Dewdog. On Sept. 2, 2026, John Page “Dewdog” Dewey, passed into the arms of his mother, May, his father, Charlie, brother, Pem, and a huge party full of his many friends that have been waiting for him to join them on the other side. We know that they passed him his guitar and he played one of his legendary concerts for everyone who has been waiting for him in heaven. While our world here is much dimmer without his light, we know that heaven is a lot brighter.
Dewdog was born on July 17, 1957 in Battle Creek, Michigan. He made many lifelong friends including the “Lynwood Gang,” and went on to break local records in pole vaulting on the track team in high school (14 feet, 3 inches in 1975). As a young man, he moved to Big Sky, and became a ski bum, musician and a local legend. He lived there for many years until moving back to Battle Creek in 2013. Many knew Dewdog by his music, many knew Dewdog by his great attitude, big heart and fun nature and some of us knew him by how he was just as amazing behind closed doors.
Dewdog is survived by his wife, Debbie. Debbie and Dewdog spent just shy of 30 years together and it was true love. She will miss her “hallo’s,” her backwards high fives, his singing, camping, partying with “the gang” and all of the beautiful memories they made in the almost 3 decades they spent together. Mostly, she will miss her best friend.
While he didn’t have any children of his own, he was the best “Dewdad” to her children, Josh (Nicole) Johnson and Julie (Michael) Toddy. His grandkids loved him tremendously, and he was the greatest, most supportive, Papa in the world. When he found out he was going to be a Papa, he didn’t hesitate and he learned to change diapers, babysit, do feedings, play and love. His grandkids will miss him tremendously. They will miss seeing him in the bleachers, cheering them on, wearing funny outfits and wigs, his Halloween Parties with Elmer the skeleton, and playing pool, cornhole, golf, foosball and board games with him. He is also survived by his brothers, Skip, Mark (Eren) and John, as well as many nieces and nephews. Dewdog leaves behind a huge group of friends who have become family as well.
It is too soon to say goodbye to someone who we wished we could have had around for many more years to come. We loved Dewdog with our whole hearts, and will forever be carrying him along with us. We end this with the lyrics of one of the songs he used to cover and dedicate to his wife. “Look at the stars, look how they shine for you,” We will see you in the stars for now, Dewdog, until we meet again.
A celebration of life will take place at the Dewey Family Home at 49 Lynwood Drive, Battle Creek Michigain on Oct. 18, 2026 from 12-3 p.m. Plans for a Montana celebration of life are being arranged.
