Obituary of Kenny Dean

Kenneth ‘Kenny’ Vincent Dean Glace Bay Kenneth “Kenny” Vincent Dean was a caring husband, father, brother, an exceptional poppy, and friend. Kenny’s family is heartbroken to have to announce his unexpected passing on September 2, 2022 at the Victoria General Hospital in Halifax. Kenny was born April 9, 1949 in Glace Bay to the late Clarice “Pud” Dean (Buffet) and Robert “Bob” Dean of Glace Bay. Kenny loved the water, so much so that as a young kid, he would spend his summers in Neil’s Harbour so he could be on a boat. At the young age of 16, Kenny started fishing out of Glace Bay Harbour. He then began driving cab, where he met his beautiful wife Debbie McKinnon, and 22 years later they tied the knot. Many would say they were inseparable. They spent a lot quality time together at the lighthouse when Kenny was a lighthouse keeper. Kenny then joined the Canadian Coast Guard where he worked on many boats but mostly “Ice Breakers”. Kenny retired from the Coast Guard as a travel clerk in 2016. Kenny loved hunting, camping, and being involved in the community; most recently the food bank where he donated his time daily. He loved a good ol’ kitchen party with a guitar, where he could sing his heart out to country music. He also loved his old Westerns, book or tv, specifically anything with the Duke. Everyone who was fortunate enough to know Kenny loved him for his great sense of humour and big infectious laugh. To Kenny, family was everything. He brought a new meaning to “family man”. It didn’t matter if he met you once, you were considered part of the family and always welcome to stop by for a BBQ – because you could be sure there would be enough food for neighbourhood and then some. Kenny’s favourite thing to do was to spend time with his grandchildren, playing with them on the living room floor for hours. Kenny is survived by his devoted loving wife, Debbie McKinnon-Dean who has been by his side for 48 years. His two sons, Kenny (Neila) and Francis (Betty). His daughters April (Brad) Jessome and Pamela McKinnon (Cory); his brothers Jackie (Margie), Brian, and Greg; his sisters Linda Rideout (Joey), Joan (Robert) MacLean and Winnie (Joe) Turner. Kenny is also survived by his grandchildren Kendra, Stephanie, Vinnie (who viewed him more of a father than a grandfather) Jazmyn, Curtis, Jeremy, Kameron (Jeremy), Nathan, Ian, Nadia, and Mya; his great grandchildren Evan, Amina and Ellie, as well as many nieces nephews and extended family. Kenny is predeceased by his mother Clarice Dean; father Robert Dean; sister, Cynthia in infancy; mother in-law Cavell; father-in-law Michael; and brothers and sisters- in-law Gary “Giffy” and Michael Jeanette and Kathleen. A celebration of life for Kenny will be held Wednesday, September 7, 2022 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at T.J Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve Street, Glace Bay, NS. (902-849-4199) In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cape Breton Cancer Centre, The Glace Bay Food Bank or a charity of one’s choice. The family would like to thank the many doctors and nurses over the last 7 years during his journey. A big thank you to Kenny’s family doctor, Dr. Carol Boutilier for always going above and beyond. A special thank you to the staff at the VG 5B, and the extremely accommodating and compassionate staff in the 3A ICU, especially Autumn who was there for us until the very end. To anyone that he loved, cared for and considered a friend/family just know that cherished you all.