It is with great sadness we share the passing of Michael A. Deane on the early hours of October 14th, 2023.
Michael was born in Edmonton, Alberta, on August 18th, 1952, just a few moments before his twin brother Christopher, to parents Jean and Douglas Deane. They joined an older brother David, and their sister Jennifer was born 7 years later. The family lived in Edmonton, Vancouver, Toronto and Winnipeg before finally settling back in Vancouver. He was quite close to his twin growing up. Mike being the more outgoing one, always shared his friends and social events with Chris. After high school Michael went on to study psychology and philosophy at SFU where he also ran the pub. During these years Michael grew his hair long, took part in a few student organizations and marched in many protests. Michael soon realized he needed an actual education for his future, so he left SFU and started in Business Management at BCIT. He graduated with honours two years later.
Michael went on to work as a realtor in the tri-cities area in the 80s before taking his sales skills to Dominion Directory where he found some success allowing him to do some traveling, including Fiji, Australia, Maui, and a Caribbean cruise. It was also this time he purchased a home in Maple Ridge, married Sherry and started his family with the addition of Mak in 1994 and David in 1997. Michael was very involved in their activities. He became well known in the Air Cadet world on the volunteer parent committee for Mak and spent many hours hauling a guitar and amp to various musical events for Dave. He was a great dad who treasured the time with the boys as they grew into the fine young men they are today.
Wanting something different than the long hard hours of sales, Michael spent a few years exploring many options before he became an employment counselor with the Ministry of Social Services, where he remained 'til he retired. After a few years of retirement Michael still wanted to give back to the community, so he started with the Association for Community Living, working with adults with disabilities. He was well respected at his posting and made many friends while there. Only leaving due to his illness, making it impossible to continue.
Michael hit many obstacles in his life and handled them all with logic and determination. He became a friend of Bill and recently celebrated 25 yrs of sobriety. The friends he made, and the lessons he learned while in recovery, stayed with him for the rest of his life. Michael also became more serious with his spiritual being, starting with the lessons of Conversations with God, then onto the world of A Course in Miracles. He leaned on these lessons when he was recovering from a heart attack and it was the power of his commitment to ACIM that helped him get through his last obstacle, cancer.
Michael left much of himself with many people. He is survived by his two sons Mak and David and their mom and his *Y* Sherry. He leaves devastated his twin brother and wife Christopher and Wendy, his respected older brother and wife David and Irene and their daughter Casey. His younger sister Jennifer (Bill)will always miss her big brother, and we are thankful she rushed to his side many times when he needed her. He will be very much missed by his dear friends Wendy, Ruth and Anna.
Michael has had a positive effect on countless others through out a life well lived.
November 17th, 2023
We had the pleasure of meeting Michael and his wife Sherry in 1994 through our mutual friend Anna Warner. Elanna was lucky enough to car pool with Michael to Dominion Directory everyday over five years where she heard all about his much-loved wife Sherry and two sons Mack and David. We talked a lot about his family and his interest in Conversations with God. We are grateful for our friendship with Michael and enjoyed his visits when he would come over for coffee. We lost touch over the years but was blessed enough to have a wonderful visit in June this year. Our sincerest sympathies to his family and close friends. He was a bright light in this world and will definitely be missed by us all.
November 7th, 2023
We will always remember Michael's kindness and gentle nature. He was a very genuine person, a good listener, and a kind soul.
Our heartfelt condolences to his sons; Mak and David, to Sherry and, to all Michael's family and friends.
October 31st, 2023
Michael was always a wonderful example of what faith and dedication can do for a peaceful heart.
We met Michael in 2008 and he was always gifted in explaining the beauty of A Course in Miracles.
Thank you brother, for all your true helpfulness..that's what you strived for.
May the family be comforted by His Grace
October 29th, 2023
I had the pleasure of meeting Michael via Zoom, as part of our shared study of ACIM (at the Circle of Atonement). I didn’t have the opportunity to get to know him very well, but in our interactions I was always struck by his kindness and helpfulness. He volunteered to help many in our community, and is much loved and respected by those who spent time with him. Love and blessings to Michael’s family and all who have been touched by his passing.
October 28th, 2023
I knew Michael through ACIM classes and meetings. We will miss him so much, especially in the Saturday class. Whenever we couldn't think clearly about some issue, we turned to Michael for the answer--he always had something helpful to say, sometimes with a wry humour. He was a strong figure for us all to turn to. Even he helped us with our computer tech issues, always calm and patient and encouraging. Thank you Michael for all you have given to us, especially the example of a truly adult person, in the best sense of the word.
October 27th, 2023
Hello Michael. I am glad I have said my words of peace with you while you were here. I will miss you very much. Your kindness and dedication to Spirit has helped me and so many others immensely. Your presence here is gone but it still feels like you are here. I would venture to guess that this is your joy over where you are now shining out to your friends who love you. I hope you are finding Precious Henn's hugs as wonderful as I did.
Dear family and friends left behind. Thank you for making Michael's life a happily loved one. I am heartily sorry for your losses. How fortunate the world has been to have such a person in it that cares for so many. May you find peace and comfort in the face of this. Wishing you all the best.
October 27th, 2023
I just met Michael online in 2022 but quickly found him to be a wonderful person. It is a great loss for us that he has passed on; I am sure that his memory and spirit will yet be a great gift to all who knew him.
October 27th, 2023
I knew Michael through ACIM classes and meetings. We will miss him so much, especially in the Saturday class. Whenever we couldn't think clearly about some issue, we turned to Michael for the answer--he always had something helpful to say, sometimes with a wry humour. He was a strong figure for us all to turn to. Even he helped us with our computer tech issues, always calm and patient and encouraging. Thank you Michael for all you have given to us, especially the example of a truly adult person, in the best sense of the word.
October 27th, 2023
Michael was a dear friend and a great Companion on the journey of learning the teachings of A Course In Miracles. He always brought us back to the basic introduction during or Saturday Zoom calls, which was Nothing real can be threaten, Nothing unreal exists. He was one of the bravest men I have know and he will be truly missed by many of his fellow Course Companions. Your light is shinning on us all. Thank you for being my friend.
October 27th, 2023
Michael, thank you for having been in my life ❤️
Sherry, you and your boys were the rocks in his life. He had nothing but praise and love for you ❤️
October 26th, 2023
We only met a couple of times outside of work but I’ll always remember your calm presence and kind nature. Rest in Peace Michael
October 26th, 2023
It's an honour to have known and loved Michael. He truly was a dear friend who taught me so much in the 5 short years that we knew each other.
My sincere sympathies to his family and close friends. He will definitely be sorely missed.
"Everything will work out in the end, and if it hasn't worked out, it's not the end."
October 26th, 2023
It's been alot of years since I last saw you all but know that my thoughts and love are with you now.
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