On November 11, 2023, Michael John Dea of Wabamun Lake, AB, formerly of Edmonton, AB, passed away peacefully with his son, Doug by his side at the age of 81 years.
He is survived by; his beautiful and loving wife, Diane (nee Crook); his children, Christina (predeceased), Derrick (Glenda), Alison (Mike), Theresa (Jay), and Doug (Angie); his grandchildren, Marc (Nickall), Jaclyn (Ryan), Stephanie (Nathan), Jennifer (Ryan), Jessica, Peter, Simone (Mark), Justine (Albert), Rhea (Deven), Courtney (Lyndon), Tyler (Taylor), Patrick (Veronica), Nicole (Ty) and Katelyn; his great-grandchildren, Jamie, Benedict, Kiersten, Jake, Robin, Teddy, Sophia, Emily, Andrew, Olivia, Oliver, Owen, Willow, Xavier, Madeleine, Clara, Kade, Lily, and Ivy; his two brothers-in-law, Doug Messier and Bob Ridley (Dianne); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, Alice and John “Jack” Dea; his in-laws, Roy and Marion Crook; his sister, Mary Jean Messier; his brother (and wife), John and Susan Dea; his sister- in-law, Kathy Ridley; his God-daughter, Robin Kochorek; family friend, Gordon McKay; and numerous other family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 18th , 2023, at 10:00 A.M. at Annunciation Catholic Church (9420-163 St NW, Edmonton, AB). Reception to follow at St. Francis Xavier High School. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please donate on behalf of Mike Dea to St. Francis Xavier High School 9250-163 St NW, Edmonton, AB, T5R OA7.
https://www.studentquickpay.com/ecsd/MyAccount/Main.aspx?webitemid=5646
Gail Hay says
Sending Big Hugs to an extraordinary family
Bob and Mary Kochorek says
To the best friend one could have ever had. Growing older just got a whole lot harder without you Mike.
Thank you for all the happiness and blessings you brought to our families lives.
Love you forever .Bob and Mary
Wendae Grover says
To Diane and all of the family,I’m thinking of you and my prayers are with you. Also I’m thinking of all the good times over the years- football parties,FX DAY, Rocky Mt House and teaching with Mike. He was a special man.
Wendae Grover
Claudette Larocque says
What a great picture of your dad. That is how I remember him…with a great big smile. As we are in Europe travelling we will not be able to attend, but I am thinking of you and this tremendous loss.
Barry Wright and Diane Wright says
We are very sorry for your loss, I will remember Mike as always being happy and willing to help and willing to share his tools with me when I needed them.
Ken and Linda Podlubny says
I have never met a man so dedicated to God, family, friends, and students as Mike Dea. Mike you will always hold a place in my heart. You enriched me in ways you could never know. Your example of offering unconditional respect and love to family, friends, staff and students stayed with me as a beacon throughout my 35 years as a teacher and administrator.
Until we meet again. Through the Spirit of Christ.
God Bless my friend
Lenore and Mel Brouwer says
Please accept our sincere condolences and sorrow with the passing of Mike Dea. To Theresa,Jay and family
Jennnifer Messier says
Uncle Mike’s essence was his smile, laughter and Joy. He was humble and loving. He read extensively and was thoughtful and curious. He was committed to his wife and family and friends. He dealt with adversity with perseverance and grace.
He taught me how to water ski and play bridge.
I do think I know a kinder person or greater role model.
Grateful for having so many memories.
Love Jen Pen
Flo Reducka says
This is really a time of mourning for all of the Dea family and of us who are the FX family. We will miss you, Mike but we will hold your memory in our hearts. You served as the perfect example of a person who strives to live the true Christian life. Well done my friend. Till we meet again,
Linda Podlubny says
What a beautiful picture of a beautiful man! Whenever I hear “Islands in the Stream”, sung by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, I think of Mike and Diane. I saw Mike and Diane singing it to each other in Bob and Mary Kochorek’s St. Albert home’s basement while the song played, with friends and their children around them. This was in the early’80s. I will remember Mike as a calm, peaceful, and smiling person. Biggest condolences to everyone in Mike’s family, who will miss him so much, as will his many friends.
Michael Burghardt says
RIP Mr. Dea, you were such a kind man and a wonderful teacher. Few can connect with high school students as well as you did, it was natural for you, you so genuinely cared. Your smile is what I remember most, thank you for sharing it with everyone around you. May your family feel peace in their hearts through this difficult time knowing you are in paradise with Our Saviour.
John Lazaruk says
A great teacher and gentleman that influenced so many FX students over the decades. Fairly sure he is head football coach of a team up above already.
Rest in peace Mr. Dea.
Ross Dixon says
Alison & family,
My condolences for your loss. My dad also past just recently (September 7, 2023). Take care. My thoughts are with you.
Alison Dea says
Hi Ross,
Thank you for the message. I think of you often and hope you are well. My dad thought you were a tremendous guy. I’m so sorry to hear your news. I remember your dad well.
Alison
Maria Klar (Gerritsen) says
My sincere condolences to the whole family….Mr Dea was a wonderful teacher, mentor, and coach. I had the pleasure of chatting with Mr Dea this summer and we shared some great memories of St. FX. May you find strength in your family and friends as you cope with this loss. My prayers are with you all.
Tina LaBonte-Gordon says
Rest in Peace Mr. Dea, you were one of my very favourite high school teachers! I loved our banter about your nephew given that he was my fave growing up. You touched many lives in your time here on earth. We were blessed. Condolences to the family.
Tina, class of “89
Bernie Hollman & Jennifer McLeod. says
The Hollman Family extends our deepest condolences to the family of Mr Dea. He left an indelible mark on the lives of my brothers, Jeff and Chris, and I fondly remember his laughter and warm smile. He was truly one of a kind. ❤️
Dave Surmon says
Coach Dea taught me tons — but most importantly, was how to laugh:
… do it so hard and regularly that your eyes squint
… it can really de-stress certain situations and remind everyone to enjoy every minute
… and he did
… the FX Hall of Fame names and comments above sure prove that.
Dave Surmon, Class of ‘79
Charlene Stevens says
I’ll never forget the day I met my Uncle Mike. He was a force of nature. Always happy and they’re leading the way with his faith and his family. He was so genuine in his love for life. He never “phoned it in”. He left such a legacy. He will be missed.
Bob Fisher says
Its 1969 and a group of grade nine students at St Paul’s has gathered to hear about FX. Mike Dae and Bob Kochorek give their low key but passionate perspectives on FX as a school and the opportunity to be involved at FX and in the growing FX sports programs. It was a life making talk.
Three awesome years at FX and personal growth through school activities and team sports. FX friendships reinforced at UoA and we continue to meet frequently to this day.
Was lucky to make it back for the 50th FX anniversary which included the chance to say hi and get a picture with Mr Dea. Same positive and inclusive approach very evident.
Thanks for your can do approach. It made a difference.
Life well lived !
Bob Fisher Class of ’72
Trish Kinney says
So sorry he’s gone. He’s left behind a very big legacy. One of my favorite teachers. Always happy and smiling.
Jennifer Davidovich/ Bondrager says
Hi Mrs.Dea I am so sorry to hear about Mr.Dea he was a great teacher and wonderful kind man may he rest in peace .
Daniel Meeker says
My condolences to the whole family.
He had a smile that would light up a room. Many fond memories of him from football and St F.X.
Sandra Mageau says
Mike Dea had a way of making everyone welcome and accepted. His smile was his greeting. The love of family was his passion. We will miss him, I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Love Sandra Mageau and Family
Gary & Joyce Clark says
Diane and family.
Joyce and I are so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. What a joy it has been to have
Mike and Diane as long time friends.
We will always remember Mike smiling face and laughing whenever we met.
He was a great example of how to live life so positively. Thanks Mike.
We are so disappointed that we missed his funeral. There was no where to learn of his life celebration .
Gary & Joyce Clark
Gary and Joyce Clark says
Diane & Family.
Joyce and I are so to hear of Mike’s passing.
What a joy he was in life. We are fortunate
to have had so many happy occasions together.
We are devastated to learn today that we missed his funeral. There was no notice
available to us.
God rest Mike.
Dr. Guy R. and Elaine Warren-Blais says
To Diane and Family,
Mike will be missed by us for laughter, his wisdom, friendship and support over the many years we have known him. Mike truly lived the Christian life and the motto of the St. Francis Xavier High School where he taught and coached many of his students including us. We will forever be indebted to him for this and how he helped us become the people we are today.
With Love,
Guy and Elaine Blais