It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dean Leslie Meehan. Born in 1966, Dean passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2026, in Vancouver, British Columbia, leaving a void that can never be filled. With Dean’s passing, we remember a life lived with humor, resilience, and quiet strength.
Dean was predeceased by his father, Kenneth Dilts, and his older brother, Wayne Meehan.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Jay Ann; his children, Kendahl, Kassandra, Dayna, Randy, and Tyler; his cherished grandchildren, Cadance, Jaden, Remy, and Murray; his mother, Joan; his brother, Todd; his niece, Jessica, and nephew, Kenny; his sisters-in-law, Debbie and Treesha; and his daughters-in-law, Aleah and Alva. He was endlessly proud of every one of them.
Dean spent many years working as a guitar technician and merchandise manager for some of Canada’s best-known rock acts, including Saga, Honeymoon Suite, Blue Rodeo, Neil Young, The Tragically Hip, Kim Mitchell, Three Days Grace, The Guess Who, Bachman–Turner Overdrive, Great Big Sea, Crush, Sheryl Crow, and Tom Cochrane, among many others. His career on the road even led him to work with Beyoncé.
Back home, Dean was a fixture in the Niagara music scene, helping young musicians get their start while also recording his own music, writing and performing most of the instruments himself.
For many years, Dean proudly owned and operated Niagara Ink, his tattoo shop in the Niagara region.
Dean loved the holidays, spending time with family, and his lifelong passions: KISS, The Wizard of Oz, Planet of the Apes, and Star Trek.
He will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the love he gave so freely. Dean was the kind of person who could light up a room without even trying, and the kind of father and grandfather who made everyone in his family feel like the most important person in the world.
Family and friends will be received at the Pelham Funeral Home, 1292 Pelham St, Fonthill, Ontario on Monday, June 8, 2026, from 10 -11:00 a.m., with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Ridgeville, where he will be laid to rest beside his grandparents, Viola and Carson, and his father, Kenneth Dilts.
A celebration of Dean’s life will follow at the Welland Legion, 383 Morningstar Avenue, Welland, Ontario, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
