Browse the obituary of residing in the province of Colombie britanique for funeral details
William Dean Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William Ernest Dean of Penticton, B.C. on December 12, 2023, at the age of 92. He was born in Shipley, North Yorkshire, England on October 1, 1931.
He is mourned by his loving wife, Mary; daughter, Taji (Dynie Malischewski); granddaughter, Ali Vandermey; Dynie’s children, Dustin, Julia, and Zachary; his sister, Pamela Clapham, and her family in the U.K.; sister-in-law, Clara (Matt) Kurio of Lethbridge, Alberta; brother-in-law, Ken (Penny) of Kelowna, B.C.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews in Canada, Cousins in the U.K., and long time dear friends in Yorkshire.
After leaving school at age 14, Bill worked at various farms in N. Yorkshire dairy farms, including milk rounds. The best part was looking after horses. After that, he went to Chatsworth in Derbyshire, working for the Duke of Devonshire as a forestry worker until early 1950.
National Service 1950-1952
Bill entered the army on July 20, 1950, with the Green Howards. After weeks of basic training in Singapore, Bill and his best friend David Allen, along with many other young lads, joined the 1st. Battalion Green Howards. The 12-year period of unrest was known as the Malaya Emergency. The enemy was the Communist Terrorists trying to take over Malaya (now MALAYSIA).
The Malayan jungle was formidable, it was one of the thickest in the world. The soldiers had to battle constant ambushes and gruelling jungle conditions during the Emergency from 1949-1952. Britain’s young National Servicemen proved they could soldier with the best, fighting in the jungle was a character-forming experience for the young men of the Regiment. The comradeship they formed was for life. In 1957, Malaysia became independent.
Bill returned to the U.K., discharged in August 1952. He later joined the Territorial Army, served 7 1/2 years, then 5 years on Reserves.
“Dixie” Dean was a proud and dedicated Green Howard for 73 years.
He emigrated to Canada in 1966 and worked in Vancouver for 6 years, followed by over 20 years with G.H. Wood & Co. in Burnaby, retiring in 1993. Bill and Mary married in Kelowna, B.C., and made their home in Burnaby for 35 years before moving to Okanagan Falls in 2003, then moved to Penticton in 2021.
His interests firstly were reading a good book, history, and geography, but also enjoyed reading many non-fiction books, autobiographies, and anything but romance novels.
Geneology was another of his pastimes, writing a book about his family history and a separate book “A Family in Uniform” 1780-2000. Bill was generous with his time sharing his research findings with his relatives and friends who were also doing their family tree, and in turn, receiving their help with his history.
He missed his daily walks when he could no longer walk without assistance. Mary and Bill enjoyed travelling to many parts of the world throughout their married life and have many photo albums and memories to cherish.
Bill was hardworking, loyal, reliable, had a good sense of humour, and a most likeable disposition. He was a kind and gentle man.
Fondly remembered and loved always by his wife and immediate family and missed by his extended family and friends.
The family wishes to thank the Penticton Regional Hospital, 3rd floor, to the Nurses/Doctors for their care and compassion shown to Bill.
As per Bill’s wishes, there will be no service. A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring, date and time to be announced.
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October 1 1931 December 12 2023 92 Years Old
Death notice for the town of: Penticton, Province: Colombie britanique
death notice William Ernest Dean October 1 1931 December 12 2023 92 Years Old
obituaries notice William Ernest Dean October 1 1931 December 12 2023 92 Years Old
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of William Ernest Dean October 1 1931 December 12 2023 92 Years Old and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
