Burns, Dean John

Burns, Dean John

10 comments

April 15, 1951 – November 21, 2022
at the age of 71 years:     

It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Dean (Hatrack) Burns who lost his battle with ALS within 4 months of his diagnosis.  Dean passed with his loving wife Karen by his side at Salmon Arm, BC, where they resided. 

Dean was a kind hearted giving soul, with a sense of humour that touched everyone who knew him.  His brilliant mind always made stimulating conversation on any subject, no matter who he was with, and he had the amazing ability to keep everyone engaged and laughing.  He was deeply loved and will be sadly missed.

Dean was a gifted Photo Journalist, working for the Calgary Herald in his early career.  He covered the Calgary Stampede and skillfully captured the ‘Heart and Soul’ of the rodeo and its cowboys.  Whatever his assignment was for the Herald, he did it with perfection.  Dean continued his passion in Europe where he took time to capture photos and journal about the countries he visited.  When he returned to Calgary he entered into a business partnership at the Avenida Photo Shop, sharing his passion by providing professional event, wedding, and family photos.  When the time was right, Dean opened up his own photography business in Calgary, called Burns Photography.  Eventually Dean moved on to start a new and exciting chapter in his life, where he opened his own campground just outside of Calgary, called Pine Creek RV Campground until he retired at the age of 55.  Dean met Karen in 2005, and they were immediately and always inseparable.  On February 13th, 2009 they were married in the Bahamas, and their souls were forever intwined, united in love.  “Love you today, tomorrow, and forever” were Dean and Karen’s daily words to each other, and the memory of his love will be everlasting.

Dean’s other passion was his Harley and cruising the country side with his best friend Greg for as long as he was able to do so.  He loved his music and was a master at music trivia.  His favorite times were spent socializing with friends and watching all sports whether it be Nascar, horse racing, or team sports.  Dean truly loved the Rodeo, and Dean (Hatrack) and Karen (Lil Missy) took in a lot of them through the years.  He also loved to travel to beautiful places, horseback riding, boating, fishing, and his Budweiser.  Dean was truly an honourable man and a joy to be with at anytime.

Dean was predeceased by his parents, James Francis Burns Sr. and Pearl Burns of Calgary Ab.  He is survived by his loving wife Karen, his children Amy Burns, Cara (Jay) Nelson, Jason Burns, his stepchildren Ashley Deisman, Kyle (Kayley) Deisman, sister Bonnie Costello, brother Jim (Pat) Burns, grandchildren Oliver, Ashely, Fallon, Calon, Rosie and Elayna, mother in law Sophie, brothers in law Larry (Marilyn), Harvey, sister in law Linda (Dave), as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Also missing him will be Cutter, King of Twang, Holmer, Jackson, Lily, and Clover.

Special thank you to Nurse Laura and the palliative care nursing team; the Salmon Arm and Kelowna medical teams; Reverend Shirley for her blessings and prayers; to Dean’s brother-in-law Larry who was able to stay and lend his support in Dean’s final days; to Diane, Brian and Alana for their gifts of food and acts of kindness; and to all others who also helped make Dean’s battle easier.

At Dean’s request, a celebration of life will be held at a later date to be set in the Spring.  Please visit Fishers Funeral Services website at www.fishersfuneralservices.com to share your memories, stories, and condolences.   In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in memory of Dean to the ALS Society of BC.   You can donate online at www.alsbc.ca or send your cheque to Unit 1228 – 13351 Commerce Parkway Richmond BC V6V 2X7. People who wish to donate online may select Tribute Donation and follow the instructions on the page. 

Ruth, Donna Lee

Ruth, Donna Lee

19 comments

May 10, 1963 – November 15, 2022
at the age of 59 years:

      Donna passed away in Kelowna, BC at the age of 59 years.  She was born in Nakusp, BC to Barb and Peter Dimion but spent all of her life in Salmon Arm.
Donna is predeceased by her husband, Derek Ruth and her dad, Peter Dimion and is survived by her mom, Barb Dimion, sister, Karlene (Dale) Wideman and Deb (Randy) Raincock and her brother, George Dimion.
Donna loved road trips, cruises (she went on five), gardening and working around the farm.  Her passion was riding and showing her horse Tilly (I’ll be Terrific) in both the Alberta and BC Paint Horse Circuit.  She will be missed by many.
A Celebration of Life will be planned for Spring of 2023.

Call Now Button