Vale – Dean Sam

It is with much sadness that the Port Moody Ecological Society shares with our community that Dean Sam, a beloved supporter of the Noons Creek hatchery and the work we do, passed away at the all too young age of 50 on August 20 2015 after a life-long illness with chronic lung disease.

Most folk will remember Dean as the First Nations drummer who has, for a number of years with his wife Coleen Pierre, blessed our young Chum salmon fry at the Fingerling Festival as they journey to adulthood in the Pacific.

2015 was the first year that Dean was not able to attend the Festival – and was dearly missed.  His wife Collen Pierre made sure the tradition continued and blessed the outgoing fry in his stead.

On behalf of our Board and volunteers, the Port Moody Ecological Society expresses our sincere condolences to Dean’s wife, children, extended family and the peoples of the Katzie and Tsartlip First Nations.

May he rest in peace……………….

PS:  A news article with more detail of his life achievements can be found here –   http://www.mapleridgenews.com/community/322434221.html

Dean Sam (right) and his wife Coleen Pierre (left) as they are blessing the Noons Creek Chum Salmon fry on their release into the creek during the 2014 Fingerling Festival.

Dean Sam (left) with Dave Bennie (centre) and Coleen Pierre (right) sharing great camaraderie after blessing the fry on their release during the 2014 Fingerling Festival.