GEBAUER, Dean Eric
Nov. 7, 1960 - Jan. 27, 2011
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dean Gebauer after a brief illness. Dean passed away peacefully at home, in the loving arms of his wife, Suzanne, surrounded by family. The eldest son of Eric and Joyce Gebauer, and brother of Richard, who predeceased him, Dean was born in Vancouver and grew up in Maple Ridge. After graduating from Garibaldi Senior Secondary School, Dean obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree at Simon Fraser University. He worked for the Hudson Bay Company, rising through the ranks to become a manager. His business career was very successful, but his true calling was teaching, and 20 years ago, Dean made a complete career change to become a high school teacher. Soon, he was teaching a variety of courses at the secondary school level. Dean's vocation was the work he did for 17 years with the P.O.W.E.R. Program, an alternate program in the New Westminster School District and a program he helped to develop. Judging from the outpouring of love and support from past and present students, Dean was a hugely positive influence in the lives of many young people.
Dean was very involved in advocacy with the New Westminster Teachers' Union and the BCTF, holding many local executive positions and the position of Vice-President of the NWTU at the time of his passing. Dean was passionate about public education and he brought intelligence, compassion and integrity to this role. He held the admiration and respect of teachers and administrators alike in his role of supporting teachers, students and public education.
Dean leaves to mourn his wife, Suzanne; his mother, Joyce (Lise); his father, Eric (Connie); his mother- and father-in-law, Dorothea and Patrick; sisters-in-law, Yvette and Annette; as well as his beloved nephews and niece, Jordan, Matthew, and Hailey.
Dean loved running, cooking, working on his Langley property, poetry, the Vancouver Canucks, their dog, Sally, and most of all travelling throughout the world with Suzanne. He was intelligent, caring, and naturally curious; his sense of humour was unforgettable. He was devoted to his family, friends, students, and colleagues. He had a tremendous impact on many people's lives.
A prayer vigil will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 20676 Fraser Highway, Langley, on Thursday, February 3, at 7:00 p.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 4, celebrant Rev. Don Larson. A celebration of Dean's life will follow in the church hall. Interment will be at Gardens of Gesthemani, Surrey, B.C. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the P.O.W.E.R. Program, which was so close to Dean's heart. Cheques may be sent to The P.O.W.E.R. Program, 1001 Columbia St., New Westminster, B.C. V3M 1C4. Messages of condolences may be left for the family at www.kearneyfs.com
'O Valiant Heart'