It is with great sadness that we announce the tragic and sudden passing of our son, brother, husband, and father, Dean Gerard Pratico, at the age of 55. Dean was born on December 26, 1958, in Revelstoke, BC. He lived and breathed what the “Stoke” is to so many of us who were born and raised here: family, friends, community, and a love for the outdoors.
Dean came into this world early seemingly knowing he had a lot of living to do in a short period of time, and live he did. He loved a good time and a good story and he often found himself in the leading role of many of those stories! He had a passion for sports, predominately hockey, and at the age of 15 went on to play junior hockey with the Vernon Vikings and Merritt Centennials. Throughout his life, Dean spent many hours in the local mountains hiking and skiing, especially loving the trips touring in the backcountry in search of fresh tracks!
His love for travel took him to Europe, Mexico, sailing the Carribbean, Thailand, Eastern Canada, Asia and everywhere in between. Throughout his life he lived in Vancouver, Calgary, PEI, and China but Revelstoke was always his home and he eventually made his way back to run his own business. Dean continued to work hard, despite his physical limitations due to arthritis, and enjoyed working in his shop creating his Treasure Eye windows as well as keeping the family home up to Vincey’s standards. He could be seen many mornings taking Pearl to school and walking the greenbelt. On his walks, Dean always enjoyed stopping to chat with friends and acquaintances along the way.
Dean is predeceased by his father, Vince, and is survived by his wife Ping, treasured daughter Pearl, mother Marie, sisters Leanne Kaay (Terry), Julie Holowaty (Rolly), and Donna Lehto (Craig) along with his nieces and nephews Jacob, Isaac, Kate, Erinn, Blake, Anika, Paige, and Tanner as well as his extended family in China.
In the end, Dean gave the greatest gift of all in the donation of his organs to five families whose lives have been changed forever. Knowing that Dean lives on in this way gives those left behind some sense of meaning during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, a special fund is to be established to assist his young daughter, contributions are graciously accepted, details will be available at the funeral service or alternatively please contact Brandon Bowers Funeral Home for instructions. The Funeral service will be taking place on Saturday, May 10th at 1:00 p.m. at St. Francis of Asissi Church, Revelstoke, BC with Father Aaron deDios the celebrant.
Online condolences may be sent to Dean’s obituary at www.brandonbowersfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Brandon Bowers Funeral Home.