Dean MUNCASTER

MUNCASTER, Dean
- 1933-2012. Dean passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on March 13, 2012 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, his favourite winter destination. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Joan, by his grateful sons, Bob, Bernie (Michelle), David and David's brother Karl (Courtney), by his loving grandchildren, Matthew, Graham, Craig, Emma and Sean, by his brother Russell (Carol), and his sisters Muriel (Bernie) and Carol Anne (Brian). Dean is predeceased by his parents Walter and Bea.
  Dean was born in Sudbury where he attended Sudbury High School and got his first exposure to Canadian Tire while working as a teenager in his father's store. Dean continued his distinguished academic career at the University of Western Ontario where he earned an HBA and at Northwestern University where he earned an MBA. At the age of 32 he became the President and CEO of Canadian Tire, a position he held for 19 years, during which time the Company's revenue increased twentyfold. Through his vision and enthusiasm, Dean promoted a camaraderie and team culture at Canadian Tire which earned the profound gratitude of dealers and co-workers alike. His corporate career also included appointments to numerous Canadian and U.S. Boards of Directors including Ontario Hydro, Bell Canada, Black & Decker and Sara Lee, and his role as a Founding Director of the Robarts Research Institute. His accomplishments were recognized in the award of an honorary Doctor of Laws from Laurentian University in 1975. In the early 1990's Dean moved to Collingwood full time and has contributed to the community by his service as Chairman of Collingwood Utilities Service and Collus Power.
  Dean's most joyous recreation times were spent sailing on Georgian Bay. In pursuing that passion for 30 years he visited pretty much every corner of the Bay. His most memorable summer evenings were spent on his favourite boat, Tigger III, listening to loons and sharing a libation with his dear friend Vic Searles.
  Despite his accomplishments, Dean was an astonishingly humble and unpretentious man, filled with character, integrity, grace and humour. He always had a smile and an ear for the ideas of all he crossed paths with. Dean was profoundly proud of his family and, in particular, his three sons and his five grandchildren.
  With Joan, his beloved partner of 17 years, he achieved lasting fulfillment and found his greatest joy. Together they shared a rare harmony and serenity and much laughter.
  Dean's family is very thankful for the commitment and care given by those at Cornerstone Hospital in Puerto Vallarta. Joan is incredibly grateful for the presence and help of Arlene and Alan George and George Hossack during Dean's brief illness. A celebration of Dean's life has been planned at the York Club, 135 St. George Street, Toronto on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 4:00 p.m.
  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that desired donations be directed to the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital or the Diana Rankin/ Muncaster Family Tuition Support Fund at the Institute of Child Study, Univ. of Toronto, 45 Walmer Rd., Toronto M5R 2X2 (416-934-4515).-(a scholarship fund at the elementary school attended by three of Dean's grandchildren in the name of Dean's dear daughter-in-law Diana who predeceased him).