William Dean Rath Obituary

William Dean Rath
May 31st 1953 - August 28th 2021

Dean Rath was a soft spoken, gentle, funny, and infinitely wise man.
Unapologetically unique, truly one of a kind.
Dean was always a very avid musician, specifically drums and other percussion instruments, getting his first kit at 16, he would wake up in the middle of the night and go check on it; to see if it was real.
He played in bars and clubs to pay to attend jazz college in the early 1970s, eventually graduated from McEwan College (Now McEwan University) in the late 70's.

After graduating, he played for many years until settling into teaching. Where he met his second wife Lorna Jane Cameron, with which he had 3 children Sara Jane Rath (29), Tessa Maxine Rath (27), and Lucas Dean Rath (25).

To Dean, his children were his entire world, but he never lost his passion for music, hand carving Djembe and Ashiko drums from the 90's until the 2010's, and an avid piano technician career in the early 2000's until his passing.

Dean was loved by so many, often doing drum workshops and storytelling with children's hospitals, at risk youth, youth detention centre's, men's weekends and retreats, schools, and more. It always brought great joy to his heart to see another human smile and be happy, and to find fascination in music and story.

Dean wrote a children's book, which he worked very hard and diligently on for the 5 years prior to his passing, and hoped for it to be published and for many to enjoy.

Dean went unto Cardiac Arrest on the morning of August 20th. After an 8-day battle in Nanaimo General Hospital, and a second arrest on August 27th, Dean passed away with his family at his side on the afternoon of August 28th, 2021.

He will be missed by so many, survived by the mother of his children - Lorna Jane, his 3 children - Sara, Tessa, and Lucas, his siblings - Scott Rath, and Lynda Rath-Bechtold, and his mother - Maxine Rath.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Nanaimo General Hospital who did their best to take care of Dean and keep him comfortable, and accommodate and update his family, especially during such a troubling time.

In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a GoFundMe to raise funds for a memorial tree in Dean's honour. To view the page or to contribute, please visit https://www.gofundme.com