John William Dean

It is with sadness and joy, we announce the passing of John William Dean on Apr 18, 2023, just 11 days short of his 62nd Wedding Anniversary. He died at the age of 84, surrounded by his family’s love and prayers.

Johnny was born on Friday the 13th of January 1939 and spent his early years in Kimberley, B.C. He married Marnie Neeve on April 29th, 1961, and the couple moved to Crowsnest Pass where they started their busy little family of six. John worked for Alberta Natural Gas, and later transitioned into the First Aid field. He worked as an Industrial First Aid Examiner for the Workman’s Compensation Board, holding this position across the East and West Kootenays and finally on Vancouver Island, until his retirement in the Comox Valley in 1999.

Johnny was passionate about the outdoors, and loved to spend time with his wife and family in the Kootenays, skiing, boating, hiking, camping throughout the West Coast, BC, Canada, the US, Mexico, Hawaii, and even an epic journey to New Zealand.

Johnny will be remembered for the campfires and country songs he shared with loved ones at the lake, and his delicious Sunday morning French Toast. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren especially, appreciated his kind and generous heart, going camping, building bird houses, his Papa Walks, and his endless stories that always kept them curious and entertained. He enjoyed imparting tales of his adventures in his handmade cedar strip canoe, elk hunting in a VW Bug, skiing, performing first aid, and even gold panning in the Great Canadian Rockies.

His volunteer activities ranged from the Junior Forest Wardens, to Courtenay Fish & Game Club, Masons, Eastern Star, BC Ambulance, Ski Patrol, Search & Rescue, United Church, and Evergreen Seniors.

He is survived by his wife: Marnie (Margaret) Dean, his four children: Debbie, Lloyd (Sandra), D’Arcy (Yvonne), and Brad (Janine), his grandchildren Stephanie (Simon), Deana (Gordon), Mikayla S (Brandon), Samantha (Brian), Sierra, Jack, Jacob, Ryan, Jesse (Michelle) and Mikayla W (Owen), his great-grandchildren Dante, Ava, Alyrah, Lucas and Everleigh, and sisters-in-law Jacquie, Deanna and Patricia, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Johnny was predeceased by their parents, Jack & Nina Dean, and Bill & Iris Neeve, and family members Lloyd E. Dean, Ron & Nicole Neeve, Fred and George Neeve, and son-in-law Michael Strandberg. John’s family would like to express their gratitude to the medical staff at Comox Valley Hospital on 3C and 4A, their friends at Eastern Star, their dementia care support groups, and Rev. Ryan Slifka. John was able to celebrate Easter Communion in the hospital and knew he was going to a Better Place. “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12 NIV