Dean Douglas McKinney

Dean Douglas McKinney was born on December 4, 1960, in Virden, Manitoba, the first child of Earl and Helen McKinney.

When Dean was four years old, the family moved to Surrey, British Columbia. Growing up, Dean enjoyed hanging out with friends, riding bikes, playing kick the can, and participating in baseball and soccer. In Grade 8, he even had the opportunity to travel to Europe with his soccer team. Family summers often include camping trips to the Oregon Coast or visits to Manitoba to spend time with relatives.

Dean also played the accordion for a few years — a memory he might have preferred to forget, although he could play a mean rendition of Wipeout!

At just 13 years old, Dean got his first job delivering The Province newspaper by bicycle six mornings a week. This marked the beginning of an incredible work ethic that stayed with him throughout his life. He went on to work at several home renovation stores, building a career in an industry he knew well.

At the age of 21, Dean became a father, welcoming his first daughter, Krystal. Two years later came Laurel, followed five years later by Holly. Being a dad was one of the most important parts of Dean's life, and his love for his children never wavered.

In 1991, Dean moved to North Vancouver to work at Beaver Lumber. It was there that he met Jennifer, who would become his wife and lifelong best friend. Along with Jennifer came her two boys, Zach and Jake, whom Dean welcomed into his life and heart as his own.

Dean and Jennifer eventually made their home in Kamloops, where Dean continued working at Beaver Lumber & Revy/ Rona before joining Kamloops Truss, where he remained until his retirement.

Anyone who knew Dean knew he had an incredible memory and a mind full of the most interesting and sometimes completely random facts. Whether it was the theme song from Leave It to Beaver, a Looney Tunes character and their famous saying, a line from a 1970s movie, or the lyrics to an old song, Dean could pull it out of nowhere in an instant. His quick wit, humour, and ability to remember just about anything often brought laughter to those around him.

Dean was also a lifelong and devoted Boston Bruins fan. His passion for hockey began at a young age and never faded. His knowledge of the game, the players, the coaches, the trades, and the history of hockey was remarkable. If you were lucky enough to watch a Bruins game with Dean, you knew to expect a loud and enthusiastic "BOOOOM!" whenever his team scored.

He was also an avid reader who enjoyed all kinds of fiction, along with just anything written about hockey.

Over the years, Dean made many wonderful memories travelling to Mexico with his brother-in-law Mark, Mark's wife Lorraine, and sometimes their son Maclean. These trips were always something Dean looked forward to and thoroughly enjoyed. He also treasured time spent at Mark and Lorraine's cabin in the Shuswap, where he could relax and enjoy the family's company.

In more recent years, golf has become one of Dean's favourite pastimes. He loved being out on the course and played as often as he could, especially when he had the opportunity to golf with his boys.

Another special part of Dean's life was Oscar, Jennifer's dog. Dean absolutely loved looking after Oscar, and the time they spent together brought him so much happiness. They had a special bond, and Oscar was a wonderful companion.

For the past few years, Dean has faced cancer with incredible strength, courage, and determination. He fought like a champion, never losing the spirit, humour, and love for his family that made him who he was. Although he fought hard, cancer ultimately took him from us on Sunday, October 11, 2026.

In the time leading up to his passing, Dean was fortunate to share some very special visits with the people he loved. Family and friends had the opportunity to spend time with him, share stories, reminisce, laugh, and simply enjoy being together. Those visits meant so much to Dean and created precious memories that his loved ones will carry with them forever.

One of the greatest tributes to the love and respect Dean inspired is that both his grandson and his nephew proudly carry Dean as their middle name. It is a beautiful reminder of the lasting impact he had on his family and the generations that follow.

Above all else, Dean loved his family. If you were part of Dean's life, you knew he loved you with his whole heart. He was loyal, generous, hardworking, and always willing to do anything for the people he cared about. Family meant everything to him, and the love he gave will remain with those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Dean is lovingly remembered by his mother, Helen; his children, Krystal (Erron), Zach (Rose), Laurel (Birinder), Jake (Jordan), and Holly (Corey); his grandchildren, Dom, Wes, and Daivy; his lifelong best friend, Jennifer (Travis); and his sisters, Kim (Patti) and Tannis (Brian), along with many extended family members and dear friends.

Dean was predeceased by his father, Earl McKinney.

Dean will be deeply missed, forever loved, and remembered for his humour, his strength, his big heart, and the countless memories he leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Canadian Cancer Society in Dean's memory.