DEAN SIMONSON

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DEAN SIMONSON On the first day of his 40th harvest, Victor Dean Bertram Simonson suddenly passed away. He leaves behind his much-loved wife Cheryl, son Kelly (Karen, and Laura, Jon) of Melbourne, Australia; daughters Krista (Darryl Gunther, and Coen) and Colleen Pittet (Marc, and Gabe, Nolan) of Winnipeg; sister Vickie (Jim) Pedersen; sisters-in-law Penny Thomson and Vicki Martin; and treasured nieces, nephew Myron and cousins. Parents Vic and Myrtle, parents-in-law Walter and Beth Kinnear, sister Priscilla and brother-in-law Larry Martin predeceased him. Dean was born on December 29, 1947. He attended Maplestead School and trained his horse to wait for him in the schoolyard. He then attended Elm Creek School and met his gang of lifelong friends. Dean met Cheryl there and their bond was clearly etched in the stars and the sky. They were married in 1967, and Dean studied to become a diesel mechanic journeyman, which led to 20 happy years at Midwest Detroit Diesel. Kelly made the couple a family in 68; Krista came on the first day of the first harvest in 73 and Colleen rounded us out in 78. Dean's passion and calling was farming. The land was his temple and the wind his song. He was joy and peace personified when he stepped down from the combine. He was a tireless optimist and promised Cheryl every year that "next year'd be the big one". Dean had endless patience and taught by example. We learned the right thing is rarely the easy thing. We learned loyalty trumps all. We learned to eat the sandwiches before Mum woke up on the road trip. He believed everyone has a story and he was great at finding connections with and for people. His legendary memory kept the smallest, sweetest moments close at hand. He cherished his grandkids and always had time for four-wheeler rides and new kittens. During their 50 years together, Dean and Cheryl drove through virtually all of the US and Canada and enjoyed adventures in Europe, Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand. He had a voracious appetite for classic cars and trucks, and monitored online auctions late into the night. Attending the Barrett-Jackson Auction was a dream that came true twice. He resolutely believed in the power of community, and led the way in minor hockey, curling, Kinsmen and Wheels. Service at Elm Creek Hall on Saturday, August 24 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to Boundary Trails Community Cancer Program are appreciated. "We come and go, but the land is always here." Doyle's Funeral Home in care of arrangements. www.doylesfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 31, 1969