Dean Thomas Lepla

February 15, 1961 - June 29, 2022
In Loving Memory ~
It is with great sadness that our Family is announcing the passing of Dean Thomas Lepla. Dean was 61.
Dean was predeceased by his Dad, Thomas in 1971, his Mother Thelma in 2007 and most recently his Son, Cody in January of this year.
Dean will be deeply missed by his Wife, Cathy of 35 years, his Daughter Caitlin, his Sister Penny and his Mother In Law, Doreen as well as numerous Nieces and Nephews.
Dean came into this world in Calgary. His Dad passed away when he was 10. With that, his Mom moved the family to Parksville, Vancouver Island.
Dean enjoyed fishing, fixing his cars, lifting weights, playing hockey, baseball and rugby.
Dean met the love of his life Cathy in Grade 9. He and Cathy graduated from Ballenas High School in 1979 and they moved to Calgary in February 1980.
Dean worked at the City of Calgary off and on for 26 years. He worked his way up from a shovel to a District Foreman for the Roads Department.
Dean was a wonderful Father, always striving to find a balance between working and enjoying his 2 children. Due to poor health, Dean made the decision to retire from the City at age 55. With this, Dean & Cathy retired to their home town of Parksville on Vancouver Island in 2016.
At home, Dean loved woodworking in his well equipped Workshop and was incredibly creative in carving beautiful walking sticks that he would give to others.
Dean also enjoyed and when his health allowed, to build projects around the home and property. He also enjoyed reconnecting with his High School buddies, his City of Calgary Retiree friends that also retired to the Island. He would go for lunch with them or have them over for coffee and a good chat in his workshop.
Dean struggled with complex health issues, especially in the last 5 years. Dean was always a courageous man, he would always keep his head into the wind, push forward, while keeping his wit and sense of humour. He was admired by many for this.
Our Family wish to thank Dean's Renal Dr. Booth who took very good care of Dean through the past 5 years as well as all of the Hemodialysis Nurses at Nanaimo General Hospital.
We wish to also thank all of the Doctors and Nurses that were involved in Dean's care at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria over the years.
You are all amazing and wonderful people!
In lieu of flowers, please make a Donation to the Nanaimo General Hospital Hemodialysis Unit. Dean would like a Celebration of Life.
It will be at the Bowser Legion, Vancouver Island on Sunday, July 17th from Noon - 4pm.
The address is 7035 Island Hwy W.
Yates Memorial Services
250-723-5859
"Lives Cherished and Celebrated"