MARK, Dean Thomas – We lost Dean after a valiant battle with cancer which he handled with dignity and tenacity. He will be sadly missed by his much loved wife Jane (MacLennan) of 25 years. Also left to mourn are his children Dan (Sarah) of Toronto, and Dale of Winnipeg; his mother Audrey (late Tom); his siblings Dawn (Larry), Dana, Susie (Jerome), all of Winnipeg, David of Calgary, and Dianna (Lochlann) of Campbell River, as well as Jane’s family: her father Ken, and siblings Janet (Jim), Ruth (Lorne) and Peter. Dean is also mourned by several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Although Dean’s life span was much too short, it was filled with abundant enthusiasm for his many friends and interests. Dean was born in Wynyard, Saskatchewan, but as the son of a railroader, he moved around Western Canada: including Estevan and Moose Jaw before settling in Winnipeg.
It was there, during Dean’s “cowboy” phase, that he met Jane – the love of his life. They married in 1994, enjoying their time with the boys and Dean’s family before moving to Minden in 1999. There Dean continued with his 25 year involvement with the Canadian Ski Patrol as well as volunteering with the local Fire Department. Dean had begun scuba diving in Winnipeg and continued with this passion after moving to Ontario. In 2002 the opportunity arose to purchase Scuba Shack in Gravenhurst, and Dean and Jane took a leap of faith, with a move to Bracebridge quickly following. It was here that Dean found his happy place. Becoming a Dive Instructor brought out Dean’s love of sharing and teaching and he guided many students into the underwater world and so loved it when new divers came into the store and told stories of their dive experiences. Always up for a story and a laugh.
Dean was also a consummate collector. Hats, watches, and sunglasses were found in abundance all around the house. He also had a vast collection of pens that he treasured. His love of sporting activities was reflected in the amount of fishing gear, ski equipment and bikes, and it has been suggested by some that he bought Scuba Shack because he could continue to augment his dive equipment for a more reasonable price. He continued his passion during his illness with a well-curated number of mustache waxes that kept him looking sharp up.
He loved a wide variety of music and was a regular attendee at Peter’s Players in Gravenhurst, often coming home with autographed copies of the performer’s CDs. His collection of guitars also reflected this love and his desire to share in it with friends and family.
His greatest collection of all were the friends that he and Jane made during their life together. Through the store, Dean’s teaching and the scuba trips to warmer locales, especially Bonaire and Roatan, Dean and Jane made many lasting friendships. These friends have been a tremendous source of support and love, especially over the past nine months, and Jane and the families will be forever grateful.
There will be a private family service this week with a public tribute to Dean’s life held at a later date.
Memorial contributions to the Stronach Regional Cancer Center of Southlake or SMMH greatly appreciated and may be arranged through Cavill Funeral Home, Gravenhurst, ON. Personal condolences may be offered at www.cavillfuneralhome.com.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Dean Thomas Mark Saturday March 23rd 2019..
Death notice for the town of: GRAVENHURST, Province: Ontario