Obituary of Dean Richard McKerness

Dean McKerness beloved husband of Aileen of Calgary, AB, passed away on June 17, 2020 at the age of 67 years.

Dean was born in Montreal, Quebec on September 3, 1952 and married his wife of forty-six years, Aileen in 1974.  Together they moved to Calgary, Alberta in 1976.

Dean was an employee of Calgary Transit as an Operator for twenty-three years. He was elected President of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 583 and served two, 3 year terms.

Dean accomplished much throughout his professional life but was particularly proud of his wife and three children.

Dean enjoyed spending summers with Aileen at Lac La Peche Resort where he could often be found trolling the water for fish and spending time with friends around the campfire. 

Dean’s most memorable vacation was last year when he and his family went on a vacation to Mexico for a wedding.  A particular highlight for Dean was spending time with his beloved granddaughter, Madelyn who is affectionately known as “our baby”.

He will be most remembered for his unbelievable larger then life personality, his full belly laugh and commitment to improving life for others.

Besides his loving wife Aileen, Dean is survived by his two daughters, Lindsay McKerness (Troy Milledge), Courtney Whatmore (Clayton) and son Mathew McKerness (Lily and Eli Engstrom); and his granddaughter, Madelyn Marjory Whatmore.

Dean is also survived by his Brother Dane McKerness (Michelle) and Sister Diane Fletcher (Clifford); Brother-in-law Randy Coates (Rose), and Sister-in-laws: Vicki Coates (Peter Karolyi), Janice Nadeau (Raymond), and Sherry Hobbs (Danny) as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Dean was predeceased by his parents Elizabeth and John McKerness and his brothers Danny, Doug, and John McKerness as well as his mother-in-law Marjory Coates (Andre Cloutier). 

Dean will be missed by everyone that knew and loved him our hearts are broken and hope that eventually time will help heal them.

A private family and friends Celebration of Life will be held at CALGARY CREMATORIUM CHAPEL, 3219 – 4^th Street NW, (within the valley of Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.

For those unable to attend a recording of the service will be posted to the online obituary.  

If friends so desire, donations can be made in Dean’s name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Diabetes Canada.