Obituary of Dean Wasslen

March 28, 1963 - Calgary, Alberta

November 1, 2023 -

Dean Wasslen, loving husband, father, brother, son, and friend passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at the age of 60.

In true Dean spirit and after a 777-day battle with ALS, he heroically spared his family and friends any further hardship with the assistance of MAID.

Born and raised in Calgary to loving parents Ken and Lorna, Dean and his older brother Rob enjoyed many family trips to Manitoba visiting a very LARGE Wasslen family. Many other weekends were spent at “The Property” near Sundre, AB. where they were surrounded by more cousins, grand parents, aunts, and uncles.

Dean successfully completed the Petroleum Technology program at SAIT and went on to a lifelong career in the oil and gas industry before retiring six years ago at the age of 54.  It was at PanCanadian where he met the love of his life, Kitty. Even though they wouldn’t like to admit it at the time, over many memos and coffees, they were falling in love.

Married in April 1988, they went on to have two wonderful children, Jaimie, and Joel (both of Calgary). They settled in SW Calgary close to Rob and his wife Corinne, where they raised their children together. Countless vacations, birthdays and Sunday dinners with Nana and Papa, Dean was always about a good time and family. The life of the party (and we had lots of them), he entertained us with his quick wit and love of music. A great dancer, with or without a partner.

Heavily influenced by their dad’s love of the game, the brothers became members at Cottonwood Golf and Country Club and later on at Willow Park where they reunited with their father enjoying many rounds together. Beyond golf, Dean loved his sports! Let’s just say, we all knew when it was “game day”. Whether The Flames, Seahawks, or Blue Jays were playing, Dean had a jersey for it (with matching shorts, hats, and flip flops).

Their passion for the sun brought Dean and Kitty many amazing memories in their beloved Maui. There you would find the two of them soaking up the rays at the beach cabana. In 2010, along with Rob, Corinne, and other great friends, they purchased their little piece of paradise at the Ocotillo Lodge in Palm Springs that they enjoyed for eleven years. With a Mai Tai or other exotic cocktail in hand, happy hour was at three o’clock, sharp. There you would find the two of them tucked in their special corner at the pool forging lifelong friendships with so many. Everybody knows Dean and Kitty!

Dean will be sadly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife Kitty and his children Jaimie and Joel (Kali); His mom and dad, Lorna, and Ken; his brother Rob (Corinne), along with their children, Zennon (Kristen) and Tanner (Selene). He is also survived by Kitty’s mom Jackie, sister Mari (Stephen), brother Patrick (Karen), niece and nephew, Willow, and Teiji; half sister and brother, Kelly, and Derrick; stepbrother Daniel, and many other aunts, uncles, and cousins. Dean was predeceased by Kitty’s dad Joe (Pat) and her brother Stephen.

There will be a celebration of life to honor Dean on a date to be determined where we can share memories and photos. The family would like to thank the ALS team who provided the best care possible for Dean during his battle with the disease. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, Kitty has requested a donation in Dean’s name to the ALS Society of Alberta (7874 10 Street NE, Calgary, AB T2E 8W1) Telephone: 403-228-3857, www.alsab.ca/donate

In living memory of Dean Wasslen, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.