Dean Ray McCarley
Born in North Vancouver on June 22, 1927; died at Kiwanis Lodge May 24, 2011 after a long battle with emphysema. Dean was predeceased by his parents Dr. Ray, and Nellie “Babe” (Robinson) McCarley, his infant sister Joan, and his older brother John as well as his son-in-law Geoffrey Kim Blaney. Dean is survived by his loving wife Fran and his four-footed companion Meggy, his daughters Leigh (Blaney) and Kim, and his sons Bruce (Wanda) and Greg (Jennifer) as well as his grandchildren McKenzie, Austin, Lucas, and Mariah.
Dean was a shy, gentle man whose greatest joy was his family; he was quietly proud of all of his children and his grandchildren, and loved to be regaled with stories of exploits in sports, school, work, or any activity/event that involved his family. As well, Dean regaled his family with stories of his exploits as a young man, and was particularly proud of his university activities often accompanied by his lifelong friend Lloyd Schopp and his fishing trips with Ed Richardson. Dean was a pharmacist, partnering for many years with Lloyd as co-owners of Nanaimo Pharmacy, followed by work with Central Drugs and Pharmasave (Southgate). Dean faced the adversities of life with dignity and perseverance, no matter what the challenge. In his lifetime, Dean was at the forefront of monumental global changes from the advent of telegraph and radio communication to his recent acquisition and use of an iPad. He also experienced firsthand the advances in transportation from learning to drive a modern roadster in his teens to using aviation travel to visit Hawaii with his family, and Australia, a lifelong dream after his original travel plans to Australia were interrupted by World War II; it took him 50 years, but he managed to have the trip of a lifetime with Fran, and to live his dream of holding a koala bear.
After over 60 years together, much of Dad’s heart and soul left him when, due to advancing Alzheimer’s disease, Mom moved into Travellers’ Lodge; he missed her greatly but was most appreciative of the care and caring she is receiving. We would like to thank Dr. Tony Lane for his many years of service to Dad, and the staff of Floor 6 at NRGH for their care of Dad from earlier this year, but most especially we would like to acknowledge the loving care given to Dad by all of the staff at Kiwanis Lodge; he was initially not pleased to leave his home, but in the short time he was with you, you made him feel safe and at home. Thank you. A celebration of Dean’s life was held Friday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Alzheimers’ Society of BC (www.alzheimerbc.org), Travellers Lodge (www.nanaimotravellerslodge.com) or North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre (www.niwra.org).