Dean R. Yundt
Join us for Dean’s Celebration of Life on Sunday, September 14 from 2pm to 5pm at the Stratford Army, Navy, & Air Force Club (151 Lorne Ave E., Stratford). Wear your favourite band or concert shirt.
YUNDT, Dean – It is with broken hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Dean Ronald Yundt in Guelph, Ontario, at the age of 61 on June 11, 2025. He was a warrior, son, husband, father, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend. He loved the outdoors, anything daring, metal music (and many more genres), cooking, sports, and playing Dungeons & Dragons.
Predeceased by his father, Ronald Yundt, Dean leaves behind his wife of 29 wonderful years, Margie, two much-loved daughters, Lorie (with partner Montana Jackson) and D. He was a cherished son of Carolyn Yundt and son-in-law to Marion and Martin Kaal, dear brother-in-law to Rob and Tracey Kaal and sporty uncle to Zachary and Tyler Kaal. Dean will also be missed by his aunts, Patricia Lee, Nike Lee, Denise High, Lucille Robinson, Nancy Agroff, Joanne Wreford, Linda Fischer and uncles Raymond Yundt, Duncan High, Wayne Kaal and John Lee. Dean had many cousins, all of whom he cherished, including Vanessa Yundt, Cindy Bondi, and Jay Riehl. Family was everything to Dean, and he was so touched and grateful for all the support provided by both friends and family during his 3+ years battle with brain cancer.
Dean was an accomplished drummer and the host of Forever Deaf at CFRU for over 35 years. In 1990, he graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography and Music. He loved doing his Forever Deaf metal show, and over the years, met many cool metal bands and enjoyed attending as many concerts as he possibly could, from classical to jazz to thrash metal. His smile was big, bright, infectious and he could never get enough of anything he loved.
As an Educational Assistant with the Upper Grand District School Board, Dean most enjoyed working with neurodivergent students, and always managed to find a way to connect with them whether through sign language, calming techniques, his incredible patience, or simply that big, beautiful smile. He found the most joy when he made that supportive emotional connection, and helped make someone’s world a little better through teaching and empathy.
Dean absolutely loved the outdoors, and introduced his wife, children, and friends to canoeing, kayaking, and backcountry camping. In the summer, Dean was happiest anywhere paddling on a pretty lake in the Canadian Shield. Killarney Provincial Park was one of his favourite places to put his canoe in the water, and he was always happy to do all the paddling while his passengers took in the breathtaking scenery.
Dean was also an avid dart player – picking up his first set of darts in his hometown of Stratford, Ontario. He played competitively for many years in both Stratford and Guelph, eventually joining a recreational pub dart league in Guelph, which he very much enjoyed with his wife Margie, resulting in a few championships and many lifelong friendships.
Dean was also an athlete – playing in hardball, slo-pitch, and ball hockey leagues in Guelph as well as playing high school football in Stratford, where he grew up. He also umpired and coached baseball, and loved every minute of it. Umpiring is how he met Todd Ashley, his best friend and brother-from-another-mother in metal mischief and forever concert buddy. Horns up, Todd!
Thanks to the Food Network and Chef Michael Smith, later in life Dean gained a passion for cooking, and crafting “cheffy” meals and desserts for family and friends was a joy (and oh so delicious). Due to popular demand, and with the keen eye and awesome editing skills of D, he also made many videos of his recipes, to share with family and friends. He did enjoy the spotlight, on occasion.
Dean never missed an opportunity to jump in and lend a helping hand – he was generous, kind, and loved to laugh. We invite you to remember Dean by watching a Monty Python movie (any of them – he loved them all!), listening to your favourite band, hiking, reading a good science fiction/fantasy story, or indulging in a special meal. We miss him every day.
As Dean was not a fan of funerals and goodbyes, there will be a celebration of life for Dean with all his favourite things and people in the near future in both Guelph and Stratford. Please stay tuned for details.
If you wish to donate in Dean’s honour, please consider a donation to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, Autism Ontario, or the Centre for ADHD Awareness Canada. If you have a personal charity that is special to you, Dean would also love that as he supported anything that helps others learn, grow, and/or heal.
Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.
A tree will be planted in memory of Dean R. Yundt in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.