Dean Gordon McGregor

I wanted to say something here even though it's 10 years later. I was an 18 year old volunteer at the Riley Park after school program that Dean coordinated back in 1993. I was shy, nervous and not experienced but Dean saw some potential in me and pushed for me to train as a full fledged casual staff. My hair was bleached blond, I was pierced, LGBTQ and not exactly clean cut looking at the time. Regardless he took me under his wing and gave me the boost I needed. That confidence he had in me made a HUGE impact on me and my career (I'm a psychiatric nurse at BCCH now) and I owe a lot to that year working with him. I didn't know him super well outside of work but am sorry to hear about the loss and wish we had kept in touch. A really special guy who pops into my mind every so often as a real inspiration to others.

In loving memory of a wonderful son-in-law. We will love you and miss you always.

1 Year Ago Today You Left Us All - We're thinking of you, Dean, with love and affection. -- Mom & Dad Kazala

you are in my thoughts Dean <3

Dean, it's been a year now love. Memories flood, met with longing.
Your warmth, your kindness, your smile; the way you added to everything you were a part of.
I think about you in the forest, alongside the spit and crackle of the fire you created. Blue smoke dancing with high, hot flames as you split apart fire wood. You loved the smell of cedar, tall pines and fresh coffee. You loved to chop wood and build campfires for us. You loved the beauty of the ocean and scoping the shore for treasures. You brought such joy to simple pleasures and you honoured their importance. You loved us fiercely and expressed it in countless ways. You are always in my heart. I miss you deeply sweetheart, but take comfort in knowing you are at peace now. Love you forever, Danette

Hello,

Let me start by saying that I am so sorry Danette for you loss. This comes a year too late. I just learned of Dean's passing today, by my cousin.

Your strength, perseverance and kindness where shown when you took care of your husband. I am sure it was a very difficult journey but also has some beautiful memories. Oh, how i remember Dean sharing his music with me, and his sense of humor. He will be greatly missed Danette, that I am very sure of.

I hope that you had lots of support and where comforted during the time of mourning.


Take Care,

Memory

We are sorry for your loss. We did not meet Dean, but we heard that Dean was kind, energetic, creative, generous, and a caring person. The loss of your beloved Dean to ALS is tragic. Our thoughts and wishes for peace and comfort go out to you and your family.
Pauline and Stan Schmidt

Thank you all for your warm thoughts and support. Dean was diagnosed, after many months of symptoms and uncertainty, way back in October 2001. He was given a life-expectancy of 2.5 to 4 years. As has always been his approach to life, he fixed his mind on a goal and challenged himself to achieve it - he wanted to continue to live to contribute to his family, friends an community for as long as he was able. His ALS was of a sinister variety, in that it started in his brain stem, so that the first neurological symptoms affected his swallowing, speech and breathing. He ended up having to accept life on a ventilator very early, even carrying the ventilator machine around himself before the disease progressed to the point of weakening his extremities. The last 13 years have been difficult, but enlightening and absolutely worthwhile. Dean refused to allow his ALS to steal away those things most important about living - giving, loving and contributing as best his body and mind would allow for many more years than his doctors predicted.

If you're interested in some of the recipes that he collected and perfected (even some secret family recipe contributions), check out his cookbook at http://www.blurb.ca/b/928651-comfort-is-a-recipe .

"Comfort is a Recipe"

My condolences, Danette, McKinnley and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I will always remember Dean for his patience and his optimism. Even when his movements were so limited, he made efforts to reach out, stay engaged and connected in his life. He was inspiring in his love of life! One of my favourite/funniest memories is of when he took me rock climbing with a small group of people, up in Squamish (Octopus Gardens I think it was called?). I thought I was in decent shape but worried about upper body strength. I should have worried about a lot more! Dean gave me a rope to carry (he carried the rest of the gear) as we hiked in. I was exhausted before we got to the rock face, and he had to relieve me of the rope. Very embarrassing! However, he did get me climbing a 30 foot high rock face right to the top, and rapeling down. It was a huge thrill! I hope that his celebration of life brought many happy stories and memories to you.
Leslie

our prayers are with you Danette, and your family Regretfully we had never met Dean,it seems he truly was your soulmate. you have been Blessed to have shared his last years with him. sincere condolences

Danette and family, we are so very sorry to hear of Dean's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We wish we were closer to you so that we could support you and celebrate what a wonderful man Dean was.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends, and always remember that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Sending you Love, hugs and prayers, Peter, Mary Ann, Kristen and Scott

Dean had a major impact on the lives of many people with developmental disabilities, their families and the people with whom he worked. His courage in the face of adversity and great sense of humour will be an inspiration to many for years to come. Dean has truly left the world a better place and his memory will live on. We at DDA extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Dear Danette & McKinnley, Dale & family, Aunt Jeanette, & Uncle Ken...

No person is ever truly alone.
Those who live no more, Whom we loved, Echo still within our thoughts, Our words, Our hearts.

~ Richard Fife

With our heartfelt sympathy and love
Lorretta & family

Dean Dean the climbing, fishing,cooking etc machine. You loved life and life loved you. God saw the road was rough and decided the suffering and pain was not going away so he closed your eyelids-Peace Be Thine

Danette & Family;
Our Thoughts & Prayers are with you at this time, it is a great loss of losing Dean. But we do have the memories of his past to always remind us of his mischievous loving character. There was the one story that his Mom told us at your wedding, when Dean was a little boy that he liked playing with his little trucks and one day she came into the kitchen to find that all of her spices were dumped on the floor, and Dean was playing right through the spices with his toy trucks, telling his mom that he needed to hull things on his trucks & the only thing that was handy were her spices in the cupboard. I suppose that was his introduction to the gifted talent of cooking. Danette; like many of us to get through this difficult time, it is always better to fall back on the stories that his character & personality created,to be so liked. Another story is the huge Salmon fish that bothered him for such a long time in the Frazer river, well maybe it wasn't the same one, but the one he did catch was sure a big monster. We LOVE you Danette & our Hearts are with you on a daily basis, we wish that we were closer to help & be your strength during this time.

With Our Love, Thoughts & Prayers we are with you;

Irene & Uncle Peter

Peggy and I send our prayers to you Danette and all the family. The dignity and courage that Dean showed us all is a testament of the character that he has blessed all of us with.
Sorry that we are unable to travel to Richmond but we look forward to see you when you come to Edmonton.
Peggy and John Szumlas