DEAN EDWARD BRANCONNIER

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Dean Edward Branconnier was born on August 7, 1968, in Roblin, Manitoba, to Edward and Lynda Branconnier. 

A true cowboy at heart, Dean grew up in his father’s shadow, sharing a deep love for horses and the open prairie. As a young boy, he spent countless hours riding his pony, “Squirt,” and playing on the family farm with his sisters. Even as a child, Dean’s gift for storytelling and entertaining shone through, captivating his mother and school friends with his tall tales.

A bright, hands-on learner and a jack-of-all-trades, Dean possessed a remarkable talent for carpentry and construction. His skills led him to a dynamic career, taking him from the prairies to the West Coast and Ontario. His versatility and dedication left a lasting legacy in the many buildings he constructed across Westman.

In 1995, Dean welcomed his first daughter, Taylor, followed by his second daughter, Emily, in 1998. A devoted father, he cherished his role in their lives. In 2004, Dean’s family grew when he met Carla on Lavalife, the pioneering online dating platform. Together, they blended their families, with Dean warmly embracing Carla’s children—Kyle, Kendra, and Kelsey—as his own. Carla’s deep ties to the Hutterite community became a cornerstone of their life, fostering meaningful relationships and work with colonies across western Manitoba.

Dean’s children were his pride and purpose. From building backyard swing sets to teaching them how to ride bikes, he instilled in them the values of hard work and love for farm life. Whether sharing his passion for “haystacks” (cookies) or his traditional Christmas pudding or pausing a roofing project to build a pig crate for the family’s growing menagerie of farm animals, Dean cherished creating memories and traditions. Raising his children on the farm, surrounded by chores and animals, was a reflection of the values he held dear.

A lover of music and camaraderie, Dean was a fixture at Country Fest with the Nimmo Exclusive Group, where their creative campground setups—often dreamed up by Carla and brought to life by Dean—frequently won first prize. His infectious laughter, signature steamed cowboy hat, and freshly pressed shirts were a hallmark of these gatherings, even if Carla’s meticulous lint-rolling delayed the group’s trek to the stage. Dean’s light-hearted spirit and ability to connect with others made him a cherished friend and colleague, often consulted for his wisdom on projects of all scales.

Dean and Carla’s love for hosting led to the creation of B-Fest, an annual celebration filled with music, food, and community. Later, they realized Carla’s dream of opening a wedding venue, a testament to Dean’s ability to turn visions into reality. Remarkably, he accomplished all this while battling profound depression. With courage, Dean sought counselling, classes, and medications, fighting daily to overcome the challenges of his struggles and embracing a more natural lifestyle.

In his recent 15 years, Dean worked as a project manager, aiming to retire and focus on working at home, however, in May 2024, a workplace assault left him injured and unemployed, compounding his physical and mental struggles. Despite seeking medical attention for persistent pain, nausea, and weight loss, Dean received a devastating terminal cancer diagnosis in September 2024. The aggressive disease was too advanced for surgery and he was not well enough for conventional treatments, though he aggressively pursued alternative therapies with the support of generous friends and connections. Dean and Carla expressed deep gratitude for these efforts and hope to pay it forward.

As his time drew near, Dean feared being forgotten. With Carla, he envisioned a legacy foundation to continue their traditions of hosting and entertaining while raising funds to support people facing mental health challenges, recognizing the scarcity of accessible counselling, evening appointments, and effective treatments, as well as anyone battling cancer seeking alternative therapies that are not covered by the Health systems. Dean’s vision was to, “Create a resource for those suffering and needing hope.” His bravery shone through as he contributed to the planning of the foundation’s mission and his own memorial, in his final days. 

He leaves to mourn his wife Carla; his Daughter Taylor (Kyle) Carter-Squire; Grandaughters, Elsie & Erica; Daughter Emily (Taylor); Son Kyle (Vanessa) Chamberlain; Grandaughters, Amelia and Sophia; Daughter Kendra (Lukas) Scheepers; Grandsons, Cohen & Liam; and Daughter Kelsey Chamberlain (Bryce). As well, He leaves his mother Lynda; Sister Sherri (Ric) Bye and their children, Jeremy, Westyn & Jacob; Sister Skye (Rob) Granigan and their children, Sadie & Blair; many aunts, uncles, and cousins, and great friends who were like family, including his closest Bud Rick Macl. 

Dean was predeceased by his father Edward; and his best friend Bill Groves.

Dean passed peacefully into Gods arms at home on March 25, 2025, with Carla by his side. He leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and memories in his friend circles and community.

The families invite you to celebrate Dean’s life, his accomplishments, and courage, which will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at their Facility: Boot Hill Event Venue located at 99120 Kissock Rd Cornwallis. There will be an opportunity for open mic for those who wish to share memories and stories. 

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Cross Roads of Healing Legacy Fund to turn this tragic loss into an opportunity to help others in his memory.

Dean’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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