It is with great sadness we share that Dean Vig passed away on May 4, 2026. He died at the cabin where he spent many years with friends and family, hunting, enjoying card games, having happy hours, and sharing meals, making memories we will cherish as we remember our dad and grandpa.

Dean was born on February 11, 1950, at Bentley Hospital to Melvin and Esther Vig and was raised in Bentley, where he attended school. He built his life in central Alberta, grounded in hard work, family, and a deep connection to the land.

In 1970, Dean married Alice Miller, and together they welcomed two sons, Jason and Kevin. Although their marriage ended in 1985, Dean later found his true partner in Sonja Ostrem. Together they built a life filled with love, companionship, and shared adventure. Dean welcomed Sonja’s children—Ross, Kim, and Tim—into his life, caring for them as his own and taking great pride in their families.

Dean was a talented mechanic and a dedicated entrepreneur. He began his career working in Red Deer before opening his own shop in Rimbey at the Shell gas station, eventually taking over full operation of the business. In 1991, he established a shop on his acreage on Rainy Creek Road, where he continued working until 2007.

In 1990, Dean purchased his dream property – a quarter section west of Hoadley.  The following year he built a log cabin overlooking the creek. For many years, he spent weekends and hunting seasons there, creating lasting memories in a place that would later become the heart of family life. In 2001, he moved a small house onto the land so he and Sonja could enjoy their retirement together surrounded by nature.  In 2007, he sold his acreage and he and Sonja moved out to the quarter permanently.  In 2013, after one year of illness Dean’s beloved Sonja passed away.  He was devastated by this loss.

Dean was an avid hunter and loved the outdoors. He and Sonja shared many adventures camping in their beloved “possum van,” and he treasured travels with his sons, including trips to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and a cruise through the Panama Canal. The cabin became a gathering place where family and friends shared laughter, stories, and countless happy hours. Dean especially cherished time spent with his children, grandchildren, neighbors, and friends.

Dean will be lovingly remembered by his son Jason (Leanne), his son Kevin (Chandra), his daughter Kim (Conrad), and his son Tim (Isabelle). He was a proud grandfather to Davin (Larisa), Kelsey (Brandon), McKenna, Aviana, Berrik, Meagan (Amanda), Kyle, Kaylis, Elise, Luke, and Huxley, and great grandson Rustyn. He is also survived by his brother Norman (Mitzi), sisters-in-law Myrna and Laurel, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dean was predeceased by his parents Melvin and Esther, his beloved partner Sonja, his brothers Elmer, Ray, and Dennis, and his stepson Ross.

Dean will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love of family, his generosity, and his quiet appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Blindman Valley Ag Centre in Bentley, Alberta on Friday, May 22, 2026 at 1pm with lunch to follow the service. A private family interment will take place at the Vig Cemetery prior to the service.

Our family would like to thank Dr. de Bruyn as well as the Central Alberta Cancer Center for their care of Dean.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to:

Canadian Cancer Society: http://www.cancer.ca

Alberta Mental Health Foundation: http://www.mentalhealthfoundation.ca/donate