Dean Mitchell Rusland
March 3, 2017
After a long and truly courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family, peacefully and with dignity on Friday, March 3rd, 2017, Dean Rusland, of London, in his 57th year. Loving and devoted husband, best friend and teammate of Helen. Devoted and ever proud father of his four sons: Taylor, Jordan, Matthew and Blayne. Missed by Nigel (his loyal feline buddy). Dean was the beloved son of Helen Merrylees, London and loved son-in-law of Tina Brand, Exeter. Lovingly remembered and missed by sister-in-law and brother-in-law Tena and Bruce, and brother-in-law Bob. Fondly remembered and loved by nephews and nieces: Dexter, Jenna, Scott and Paige, and by 1 great-niece and 4 great-nephews. Dean had a gift and touched many people with his God-given positivity, exuberance for life, and his steadfast dedication to his 17 year position of employment at Medicom. The love for his family was always first and foremost and he paid special attention to, and appreciated, the simple and small things in life. Dean will be dearly missed by his family, friends and colleagues. With remarkable courage, Dean accepted his Master’s plan and will be remembered for the inspiration of courage and hope he gave to hundreds of fellow cancer patients at the London Cancer Centre by personally giving small sand dollar pocket tokens stamped with “courage” to those walking the same path on treatment days. If Dean could lend a hand to someone … anyone … he would (as many know), and he left a footprint on all those he knew or met. A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to Dean’s quarterback Dr. Stephen Welch, Dr. Ken Leslie, the kind and compassionate nurses at the London Cancer Centre, and Oncology and Palliative floors at Victoria Hospital. Cremation has taken place. A memorial Celebration of Life reception in Dean’s honour will be held on Wednesday, March 8th, 2017 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, with words from the family at 2:00 p.m. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Dean are asked to consider the London Regional Cancer Centre.
Dean’s legacy of courage,
strength, resilience, positivity and
respect is with us always.
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We would like to thank everyone for their kind condolences. He will be greatly missed and loved forever by myself (his Mother), his brother Peter Rusland, his half sister Kelly Heyda and his nephew Ben Merrylees. Thanks again
We would like to thank everyone for their kind condolences. He will be greatly missed and loved forever by myself (his Mother), his brother Peter Rusland, his half sister Kelly Heyda and his nephew Ben Merrylees. Thanks again
I was so sorry to hear of Deans Passing. I spent many years early on with Dean and all I ever think of when remembering him is that big larger than life smile that filled the room - and the positive vibe he always put forth. He would use words like Party City back in the old days so we started to refer to him as Dean City - and sadly that was the message I received down here in Florida - that Dean City was no longer with us. I cant even begin to imagine the struggles he had or the pain the family has had to deal with through this ordeal. I wish I had known so I could have spent some time with him. But I take solace in the fact that he is now in a peaceful place. Last night when I heard the news - we had a Happy Hour toast to his life as I think he would have liked that. We had a toast to the happy hard working, family loving, great man that he was. And that is how I will remember him. Thanks for some great times Dean City and thank you for allowing me some time as your friend. Miss you buddy. Arch
Dear Helen, Taylor, Jorda, Matt and Blayne. It's with heavy hearts as I write this note. We are so saddened by the demise of Dean. He was such a happy man who loved life and loved his family and Nigel the cat. Dean was a man filled with warmth and exuberance. We will miss him dearly.
Only neighbors for a short time we were saddened to learn of Dean's passing. We fondly remember how gentle, joyful and kind-hearted he was - traits we saw passed onto his boys. Our best wishes extend to Helen and the boys during this difficult time.
Dean was such a tremendous, happy man. Always seeing the glass half full, not half empty. My sincere condolences to the family for your loss. He will be deeply missed by myself and all his friends he has touched with his vibrant personality.
Helen, Taylor, Jordan, Matt and Blayne, I was so sorry to hear just today of Dean's passing. I join many friends in the Byron Somerset community in offering my heartfelt condolences and support to you at this sad time. In time, memories of happy times will give some comfort. Take care, Paul Ufford
My most heartfelt condolences are extended to you, Helen, and our dear friend Taylor, to Jordan, to Matt, and to Blayne. Big hugs to you all as you cope together as a family to handle your dear Dad's loss. I just found out today (March 10th).
Dear Helen and boys, we are so sorry to hear of Dean's passing. I only heard the news yesterday, so I'm sorry we weren't there to offer our condolences in person. Thinking of you in this time of sorrow, Todd, Mary, Matt, and Rowan
Helen, Taylor, Jordan, Matthew, and Blayne - I have just stumbled upon this tonight and we are incredibly saddened and shocked to read of Dean's passing. He was a wonderful man with a great sense of humour and a kind heart and we have a lot of fond memories of him on the field or at the rink. Please know that we care and, unfortunately, completely understand what a tremendous loss this will be in your lives. Hold on to the wonderful memories you have for he will live on in your hearts forever. Love never dies. Sincerest heartfelt condolences to each of you - Lori, Benton, and Tyler.
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Centre)
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Centre)
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Centre)
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Centre)
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Centre)
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Centre)
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Centre)
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Centre)
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Centre)
Helen and Boys...we are heartbroken, such a kind, gentle soul. Know that we are thinking of you and wish you comfort in warm memories. Much love xoxoxo
Dear Helen, Taylor, Jordan, Matthew and Blayne. Our deepest sympathies on the passing of a beloved husband and loved father, Dean. You are close in our thoughts and we are thinking of you during this difficult time. Love and big hugs from both BC and the U.K., Christine and Chris.
Our sincerest condolences to you and your boys, Helen.
Deeply saddened to read of dean's death. Sympathies from myself and the Board of L'Arche London go to Helen and the family. Our connections with Taylor have kept us informed of Dean's illness and his courageous struggle. We hope to be there for Taylor in the days and months ahead. With deepest sympathies, David McKane, Board Chair.
We were very saddened to hear of the passing of Dean. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. Love, Ron, Pam, Kyle, Emily & Robyn
Dean was a truly wonderful man who will be deeply missed. I will miss his cheery drop-in visits to my office! My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.
Dean was one of my favorite vendor reps that enlightened my day with his visits. It was not always a business conversation, it revolved around talking about his children, and upcoming holidays etc. I am glad to have worked with Dean over the many years and had the pleasure to have known Dean and will be sadly missed. I kept in touch with Dean during his battle and always kept a positive conversation moving forward with his treatments. It doesn't surprise me that he thought of others during his hospital visits, he was just that kind of man. A true gentleman. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children and extended family and friends.
Helen and family - I am so sorry to see in the paper of the passing of your dear husband and the boys father. He will be greatly missed and wanted you to know the whole family is thought of at this very sad time. Sincere sympathy and take care, Love Joyce.
I am very saddened to hear of the passing of Dean. I am glad to have worked with Dean over the years and had the pleasure to have known Dean and will be sadly missed but never forgotten . My thoughts and prayers & Strength go out to his wife and children and extended family and friends. In this difficult time .
Dear Helen and family, I was deeply saddened by the news. Although I only knew Dean for the past year, he had an incredibly positive affect on everyone who came in contact with him. My deepest condolences for your loss and extended strength and prayers at such a difficult time. May his memory always be remembered with a smile.
So sorry to hear of Dean's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Dear Helen and boys, We are truly saddened by the news of Deans passing. We would like to pass along our sincere and deepest condolences to the entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Dear Helen & Family, Through my many years of working here at Medicom, I treasured Dean's friendship the MOST! He was truly a friend to me and will always have a place in my heart. I have many wonderful memories of Dean and I during our National Sales Meetings and other meetings. His battle was inspirational to me, but not surprising, given the man that Dean was! My God's Grace be a Blessing and His Love a Comfort!
Dean was a truly one of a kind man, with a wonderful heart and was always a pleasure to see him. I will miss his smiles and hearing his upbeat voice. Dear Helen, my deepest condolences and my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this very difficult time.
Helen and family, I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of Dean. He was such a cool guy, I loved taking care of him. He had kind eyes, a kind heart and a smile that was contagious. Whenever I hear `the gambler`I will forever be reminded of Dean and his poker night with the boys. My heart goes out to you all, what a profound loss.
We are deeply sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Dear Helen and Family, We were so saddened to hear of your husband's passing. Our deepest condolences and prayers are with you and your beautiful boys. Please let Taylor know that Thomas and his family are thinking of you and your family at this very sad time.
Dear Helen and Family, It was a pleasure working with Dean. I was fortunate to join his customer visits and also work with him on projects. I will remember Dean for his jokes, his smile and his caring personality. My deepest sympathies during this difficult time.
Dear Helen and Family,we were saddened to hear of Dean's passing. Our deepest sympathies and condolences to all. Uncle Martin and Aunt Corrie from B.C.
It is with much sadness we the staff and associates at Northern Surgical one of many Medicom Dealers for Dean. We have NOT just loss a Representative but much more....We've lost a Friend. He loved many things, like cars, a good laugh, a few pops here and there but there was no greater love to the Man than his Family and his home. He put the P in personal as he was passionate, proud, playful and he loved people and people loved him in return. He loved to make the sale and make the customer happy....he worked hard and brought much joy to many of us who dealt with him. He will truly be missed and always remain in our hearts. To Helen and Family...Please accept our deepest condolences. We thank you for sharing him with us. Our prayers are with you. May God's grace embrace and warm your sole mon ami. Your Friends at Northern Surgical....
Dear Helen,Jordan,Taylor, Matt and Blayne, We were very saddened by the news of Dean's passing. He was one of the strongest and most courageous men in the way he took on his battle with cancer - the same as he had faced other obstacles in his life. He was a winner as he remained so positive and was determined to fight as hard as he could. He had his "angel" and team mates (Helen and the boys) full support during this battle. We will always remember Dean and his courage and zest for life and his friendly, outgoing personality and we'll miss this wonderful man. So sorry for your loss Helen and boys. Love, Allis and Davis
Dear Helen, Taylor, Jordan, Matt and Blayne, There are no words to express how sad I am over Deans passing. We had far too short a time to be friends, yet in that short time, Dean had a tremendous impact on my life and I am heartbroken for your loss. Dean was a wonderful man, full of life, love and positivity throughout his long battle. He never gave up. He was a true warrior. He always had so much to offer and give, always there to listen and share his wisdom and his "step by step" motto will forever be in my heart. As he asked...I will smile, and think of him often.
I was shocked and saddened upon knowing of Dean s passing.And Helen and family please accept my profound sympathy and condolences. I referred immediately to a family album whereupon the memories of our vacation to Ft. Lauderdale in !987 came flooding back.A fun loving person . And when I encountered dean with his family in Victoria Park at a family sports event I could feel there true happiness together.... Bless you DEAN .MY PRAYERS.
Dear Helen, Taylor, Jordan, Matt and Blayne, Words cannot begin to express our sadness. Dean will be greatly missed but his warmth, kindness and infectious spirit will be remembered forever. We pray that in the midst of your sorrow you find comfort in all the joyful memories shared.
Dean was always such a great presence to be around, I was very lucky to have worked with him for 4 years and I will never forget his positivity, especially when faced with his battle. He was such a hardworking, optimistic, fun, and encouraging person to be around - always willing to help out anyone. Thoughts and prayers to Helen, the boys, and everyone who knew and loved Dean.
Dear Helen and family, so sadden when heard the news about Dean. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family through this difficult time.
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