Dean Hassett, age 93, of Maple Creek passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. He was born in Vulcan, Alberta to parents, Ralph and Margaret (Dowkes) Blenner Hassett on August 25, 1931. Dean graduated from high school in Brooks, Alberta and on June 1, 1959, he married Yvonne Hassett (Bratvold). Dean is survived by his two brothers, Kent (June) Blenner Hassett and Wynn (Holly) Hassett; his brother-in-law, Keith Bratvold; his sister-in-law, Louise Gifford; four daughters, Kelly Shell (Darren), Corey Forester (Rob), Dana Hassett Sellinger (Danny), and Rebne Lehr (Kevin Patterson), as well as multiple grandchildren and great grandchildren. Dean was predeceased by his wife, Yvonne on October 17, 2023 and his grandson Dean H. Sellinger on January 29, 2006.

Dean was known for his love of sports. During his last years of school in Brooks, he won the lightweight boxing championship of Alberta. He played hockey for three different teams each winter and in the summer he played baseball for a junior and senior team.

After finishing high school in Brooks, Dean worked with his grandparents, David and Adley Dowkes in Maple Creek. Eventually, he and his grandfather became partners. They bought a thoroughbred mare and some police horses from Fort Walsh. They also raised some nice (and not so nice) colts, winning some awards at horse shows with Dean’s prized horse Roebuck as well as others. After Yvonne and Dean married, they lived in Maple Creek for two years while Yvonne worked as a public health nurse. This enabled them to buy ten registered Hereford heifer calves. They also worked with Western Breeders Services out of Calgary on their Hereford Progeny Test Program. In time, they ended up with a good herd. In the summers, they farmed and luckily had four ambitious daughters that grew up helping with all the chores. Dean helped as a volunteer to build The Maple Creek Golf Course, which in later years he played daily. Dean was on the Board of Directors as well as president for the Old Timers Museum. He always loved searching for antiques and beautiful rocks for his collection. He also enjoyed metal detecting for old treasures. Dean appreciated visiting with many friends and family over the years, telling stories about the old days. He enjoyed having a snort of rum or a glass of one of his delicious wines that he took great pride in making. He was very optimistic and willing to dream big.

“Yvonne and I have enjoyed a great life with wonderful friends which we all need. We have to remember those who came before, cleared and prepared a way for us. Now being grateful for their sacrifices, little knowing the price they paid.”

There will be a private graveside service held for immediate family. In lieu of cards or flowers, donations can be made to The Maple Creek Museum. To leave a message of condolence you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.

• Date : 2024-10-01
• Location : Maple Creek, Saskatchewan

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