From: Bakerview Community Crematorium & Celebration Centre

Bakerview Community Crematorium & Celebration Centre Staff send our condolences to family and friends.

From: Anthony H. Jones
Relation: Friend

I was greatly shocked to hear about Dean’s passing. I had contacted him about him sitting in on drums for a few songs at a show I was playing on December 1/23. We had also talked about both of us attending a Darby Mills concert at the Roxxy on December 6/23. When I didn’t hear from him that week, I assumed that it was because of the flue which he had come down with at the end of November.

Dean was a fantastic drummer. He seemed to be practising all the time when I met him. At the time I met him, we were working for a Landscaping company doing jobs in Richmond; Burnaby; and Metro Vancouver. In between job sites, Dean was always working on some sort of complicated rhythm which involved syncopating his hands and feet in an incredibly fast manner (slapping this knees, thighs, dashboard…and I believe he sometimes used the windows and side view mirror of the pickup truck for cymbals!). It was quite a sight to see.

Dean especially seemed to like the drumming of Neil Peart, and when a Rush song came on the radio while we were working together he was in his element. He could play some of his favorite Rush songs note for note on the drums (ask any professional drummer how difficult this would be on a scale of 1 to 10 and they will answer that it’s a hard “10”).

On occasion, I played music with Dean recreationally at his apartment in Surrey. Sometimes, as musicians will do, we disputed how a song was originally recorded 40 years ago. I would say “incorrect”, and Dean would casually get up from his massive drum set and go to his massive vinyl collection of records. He would then play the original which he had, in fact, purchased the same year it was released. He was correct about how an original KISS song was written about 10 times out of 10. He was correct about how an original Rush song had been written about ten times out of 10 also. I stopped disputing with him about these bands (he was an original authority on both).
No matter if we were playing music, watching the hockey game, or watching the Super Bowl etc., Dean would always say: “…turn it down!” at about 6pm when his mom would call. He loved his family and would especially look forward to speaking to his mom every day. He also often spoke to me about his dad and his sister both whom he loved.

Lastly, I think that Dean loved his cat more than his drum set. Sophie, his beloved cat, could bring a smile to anybody’s face but Dean face was never more aglow then when he was greeting Sophie when he came in through his door when he returned from work. I saw this many times. Undoubtedly, I saw that Sophie the cat felt the same way about Dean. People and pets tell each other they love them all the time. Perhaps, people should tell each other more often that they are loved.

Dean…I loved you dude and I will miss you dearly. You left too soon. See you on the flip side of the original record. Rock and Roll!

Your friend,

Anthony

From: Rob Julien
Relation: cousin

Regardless of adult experience, the vestiges of childhood relationships remain a part of you forever. Dean’s significance throughout my developmental years cannot be overstated.

Eternal peace my cousin and friend.

From: Tom and Dianne Carras
Relation: Neighbour

Rick, our thoughts are with you during this time. Cherish the memories of Dean and Marlene, they are with you always! Love Tom and Dianne

From: Anna Samutina
Relation: Friend

To Rick and the family. We can’t express how sorry we are for your loss. Please accept our deepest condolences. Dean will be remembered forever. He touched our lifes, and his rock’n’roll spirit will always stay with us. Dan and Anna.

From: Kimberly Mercer
Relation: Childhood friend of Deans's sister Cindy

I was so sorry to hear of Dean and his mother, Marlene’s passing…so sudden. I knew Dean (also known as Criss) from back in the 80’s, childhood friend of his sister Cindy. We were so many times in the basement watching him and his bands playing. He was always doing cool tricks with his drum sticks. Dean was such an amazing and talented drummer and knew his music well….even though I drove him nuts asking him to play Phil Collins “In the Air Tonight” ha ha…he was very patient and kind to us. I am sorry he is gone but i am glad he is with his loving mother. The Colston family has definitely left me with many wonderful memories! God bless you both Dean and Marlene! Rick and Cindy..you are both in my thoughts and prayers