Lee Dean

It is with the profound sorrow in our hearts that we announce the passing of Lee James Dean to all those who loved him. Lee was the oldest son born to Elizabeth Dean and Leo Dean. Brother to Bradley Dean and Russell Dean (Julia), and father to Felicity, Eddie, and Callum Dean. He was pre-deceased by his father Leo Dean, his grandparents Leo and Marie Dean, and Ronald and Mary Hickey. 

Lee was born on May 1, 1978 at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital in St. John’s, Newfoundland. As a child, Lee unleashed his creative side by acting in school plays. Theater was one of his most fond memories of childhood, along with drinking tea and coffee with copious amounts of sugar with his grandmother Hickey. In his teenage years, he greatly enjoyed cadets and the opportunity it gave him to experience other places in Canada. 

Professionally, Lee was a master carpenter, having completed trade school at Red River College in Winnipeg. He worked primarily in commercial carpentry during his career, but was highly regarded in any area he chose to pursue. The Calgary (example: National Music Center), Winnipeg, Lethbridge and Vancouver skylines are dotted with examples of his projects. He took the greatest pride in his work; there was nothing he couldn’t build from a decorative wooden box to a downtown sky scraper. Most recently his work as a contractor included high end renovations in Calgary’s historical Carriage House, along with home additions. 

Lee was passionate about literature, especially historical fiction, and could often be found reading. He had a particular passion for history and was himself a wealth of knowledge. He spoke more recently and with great enthusiasm of planning a trip to Europe with the kids so they could experience some of the places he knew so much about. Summer was his favorite time of year, and the last two summers his heart was filled by the trips he took back home to Newfoundland, where he surrounded himself, Eddie, and Felicity with the love of family and memories to last a lifetime. He was nothing short of gifted when it came to self expression through writing. His poems will be cherished, while his unfinished novel will forever be a loss to the world.  

Lee left behind his 3 children, the 3 greatest loves of his life, Felicity (9)- his kiddo kiddo, Eddie (6)- his little buddy, and Callum (4)- his viking. Together with Amber Dolynny and the kids, he was looking forward to welcoming their newest sibling, a little girl due November 6, 2026. 

Fatherhood was his greatest passion and source of pleasure in life. He loved to volunteer at their school, from field trips, to classroom projects, to lending his carpentry skills. He put volunteering before work anytime the opportunity arose, as nothing was more important to him than giving his time and energy to the kids in every way he could. The loud, bursting joy, positivity, and support he brought to his kids was unmatched. He was a pillar of calm and strength in all the challenges they faced, and their lives will forever be missing their greatest advocate, role model, and hero. 

 The family is planning two celebrations of life for Lee, the first of which will be in Calgary at Bowness Pub (7930 Bowness Rd NW) on October 4, 2026, 2:00 - 4:00 pm. It was Lee’s favorite watering hole of the last couple years and we hope anyone who’s life was touched by his uplifting spirit who lives out west can stop in and share a story or two over a pint. The second will be in Newfoundland during the summer of 2027, with details to come. Please reach out to any family member for details, all are welcome to attend.