Obituary of Dean Mitchell Rusland

After a long and truly courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family, peacefully and with dignity on Friday, March 3rd, 2017, Dean Rusland, of London, in his 57th year. Loving and devoted husband, best friend and teammate of Helen. Devoted and ever proud father of his four sons: Taylor, Jordan, Matthew and Blayne. Missed by Nigel (his loyal feline buddy). Dean was the beloved son of Helen Merrylees, London and loved son-in-law of Tina Brand, Exeter. Lovingly remembered and missed by sister-in-law and brother-in-law Tena and Bruce, and brother-in-law Bob. Fondly remembered and loved by nephews and nieces: Dexter, Jenna, Scott and Paige, and by 1 great-niece and 4 great-nephews. Dean had a gift and touched many people with his God-given positivity, exuberance for life, and his steadfast dedication to his 17 year position of employment at Medicom. The love for his family was always first and foremost and he paid special attention to, and appreciated, the simple and small things in life. Dean will be dearly missed by his family, friends and colleagues. With remarkable courage, Dean accepted his Master’s plan and will be remembered for the inspiration of courage and hope he gave to hundreds of fellow cancer patients at the London Cancer Centre by personally giving small sand dollar pocket tokens stamped with “courage” to those walking the same path on treatment days. If Dean could lend a hand to someone … anyone … he would (as many know), and he left a footprint on all those he knew or met. A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to Dean’s quarterback Dr. Stephen Welch, Dr. Ken Leslie, the kind and compassionate nurses at the London Cancer Centre, and Oncology and Palliative floors at Victoria Hospital. Cremation has taken place. A memorial Celebration of Life reception in Dean’s honour will be held on Wednesday, March 8th, 2017 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, with words from the family at 2:00 p.m. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Dean are asked to consider the London Regional Cancer Centre. Dean’s legacy of courage, strength, resilience, positivity and respect is with us always.