Dean's Peace Park a haven for peace, quiet and communing with nature
Dean Ambrose Gamble loved nature, photography, soccer and peace. May 12th Dean's Peace Park will be dedicated in his memory as a sanctuary for peace, serenity, resolution, comfort and reconciliation.
Dean Gamble Photo credit: Norma Gamble
Dean Ambrose Gamble loved nature, photography, soccer and peace. So, it’s fitting that a park embracing Dean’s passions has found the perfect home that will continue his legacy and keep his memory alive.
Born in Limerick, Ireland, on October 18, 1971, Dean became one of Ireland’s youngest emigrants when he left for South Africa with his parents, Norma (Campbell) Gamble and Mark four weeks later.
A year later, Dean’s brother Ryan was born.
The family emigrated to Canada in 1979 settling in Oakville, Ontario. Dean became a great soccer goalie, loved fishing at the Campbell family cottage in Port Carling and was a devoted nature lover who revelled in taking photos – especially of hawks.
Dean passed away on March 17, 2024 — St. Patrick’s Day — after a valiant battle with cancer. A Celebration of Life is being held May 12th at 3 pm at The Gambrel Barn in Country Heritage Park in Milton.
At that time, a native Irish tree will be planted to commemorate Dean’s life and accomplishments. That tree will be the jewel in the crown of 24 maple trees recently planted in the form of a circle at the site of Dean’s Peace Park. While spaces between the trees provide sanctity, the branches of the trees extending towards the heavens guide visitors towards endless possibilities.
Eventually a canopy of eight trees will usher visitors down a short pathway towards a large engraved stone standing at the entrance to Dean’s Peace Park inviting all who enter to find peace, serenity, resolution, comfort and reconciliation.
Benches placed around the park, as well as at the center, will invite visitors to rest a while and find peace, quietude and an opportunity to be one with nature.
Norma, was the driving force behind Dean’s Peace Park. As president of Passport Rotary Club (PRC) South, Norma had a very close relationship with, and love for, Country Heritage Park. In fact, PRC South was in the process of arranging the planting of 100 trees at Country Heritage Park for Earth Day.
“Dean was a very gentle soul and always a peace seeker. I told him I would allocate some of the trees to create a Peace Park in his name. He was overwhelmed at the gesture of love and recognition,” Norma told Small Change.
PRC facilitates ‘Dream Projects’ and Dean’s Peace Park will be one of their peacebuilding achievements designed to reduce conflict while encouraging resolution of injustices in non-violent ways that lead to sustainable peace.
Dean’s Peace Park joins the renowned Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park jointly established by the Rotary Clubs of Alberta and Montana in 1931. This was the first international Peace Park in the world. With over 350 Peace Parks across Canada, and more globally, Dean’s Peace Park continues the tradition of planting the trees in a circle symbolizing peace and cooperation among nations.
A lover of peace and nature, Dean was fascinated with hawks and would often spot them while driving.
“The interesting thing is that when we planted most of the trees on April 20th, there were many hawks flying overhead, some sweeping quite low over the trees,” Norma recounted.
Soaring hawk. Photo credit: Dean Gamble
Dean also loved soccer, more for the social interaction rather than the love of competition or winning.
Ryan recalled that, “Dean joined our recreational soccer team, The Oakville Lads, not driven by a love for the sport but by the joy of companionship. For over two decades, it wasn’t just about the game, but the camaraderie – the lad next to you on the field, on the bench, on the weekend tournaments, or after the game at the local pub.”
Ryan remembers Dean as the nurturing force of the team, akin to a protective father figure to all, always ensuring that everyone was heard and cared for.
“This, captured the essence of his kind-heartedness and the cherished relationships that were close to his heart,” Ryan added.
Tim Skrins first met Dean while playing soccer for The Oakville Lads in 1999.
“Through the years, I got to know Dean and the things he loved to do. He always talked about fishing, where he was going and what he caught. Amazingly I never saw the pictures of the ‘huge’ ones. On trips to our various tournaments, Dean always brought a camera for pictures, capturing the team, his buddies and nature. I’ve never pulled over on the 401 to stop and take a picture of a hawk . . . a regular occurrence on the long drives,” Skrins shared.
But Skrins knew that of all the things Dean loved, family was number one. Talks of family dynamics frequented their discussions on the long road trips.
“Dean was a huge part of my first wedding party, standing at the alter to support me. Big brother was always there to ensure Ryan was protected and kept in line. Dean loved and cared for every teammate through the years, just like family,” Skrins recalled.
Ryan also remembers the way Dean cherished the tranquility of fishing as well as the serenity of being alone with nature and his thoughts.
“This peace he found in solitude mirrors what we envision for the Peace Park. It’s a sanctuary where anyone can experience the calmness of a quiet moment, a place free from anger and stress,” shared Ryan.
“The park is not only a space to reflect alone, but also to come together, resolve differences, and embrace peace, just as Dean would have wanted,” Ryan added.
Family and friends are invited to come together to celebrate their memories of Dean on Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 3:00 pm at the Gambrel Barn in Country Heritage Park, 8560 Tremaine Rd., Milton, Ontario.
In lieu of flowers, the Passport Rotary Club is accepting donations towards the creation of Dean Gamble Peace Park through e-transfers sent to treasurer.passport7080@gamail.com
The Lake Photo credit: Dean Gamble
Deer in the Woods Photo credit: Dean Gamble