We regret to advise of the death of Captain Deane James Gorsline, CD on 18 January 2023 in Ottawa ON at the age of 33.
Born in Prince George BC, Deane grew up on small farms in Burns Lake and Quesnel. He was introduced at an early age to family outdoor adventures including horse-packing, fishing, and skiing, and continued to extend his love of sports in school through hockey, soccer, and lacrosse.
Deane attended the Royal Military College of Canada and graduated with a Civil Engineering degree in 2011. Commissioned in the Canadian Armed Forces and serving with the Canadian Military Engineers as a combat engineer officer, his first posting was to 1 Combat Engineer Regiment in Edmonton AB. Between 2012 and 2015, he held the positions of Field Troop Commander, Construction Troop Commander, Operations Officer of 12 Squadron, and Dive Officer. Deane served in Afghanistan on Op ATTENTION in 2013. He subsequently served with the Special Operations Forces Command from 2015 onwards.
Deane was intensely passionate about his pursuits. Focused, disciplined, and determined, his never-give-up attitude saw him meet many challenges, including his battle with ALS that was diagnosed in December 2018. Not only did Deane pursue treatment options for himself, he felt compelled to contribute to creating an organization whose goal was to facilitate treatment options for all Canadians living with ALS. Deane joined with several others to be a founding member of ALS Action Canada and served as its first Chairman. His generous spirit and focus on creating opportunities and positive outcomes for all was one of his greatest strengths.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, 3 February 2023 from St. Paul’s Anglican Church [20 Young Rd, Kanata]. Reception to follow at Kelly Funeral Home-Kanata Chapel [580 Eagleson Road, Kanata]. The family requests that donations can be made in honour of Deane Gorsline to: The Healey Centre for ALS ) should you wish, Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home .
There will be a celebration of life at the family farm in Quesnel BC in August 2023 with the burial of Deane’s urn and a bonfire in accordance with Deane’s request. All are welcome.
