Ian DEANS Obituary

I happened to think about Bruce...so I googled him from California. I couldn't believe it as I read through the article. The immediate sadness and disbelief even though so many years passed not seeing you.
You were a very special person in my life at one time. Me being only 20 years old and you 24 years old. Fearless and young I came to spend 3 months in New Zealand and I happened to meet Bruce on the airplane.
Bruce was coming back home from a trip to London with his Canterbury team. Him joking as he passed me in the aisle pretending he was a frenchmen. Still flirting and being adorable, like he was.. He asked the lady sitting next to me if she wouldn't mind switching seats, she said sure, not knowing that she would be sitting amongst a group of rambunctious rugby players!!
OMG that was funny!! Meanwhile we sat, slept and talked throughout our very long flight to NZ.
Once I got to NZ he gave me his phone number. I stayed in hostels but decided to call him. This was the year that he tried out for the All Blacks!! Wow, what a ride!
I got to experience the ultimate adventure and romance being flown across the country to watch him be apart of something so incredible. An All Black!
I remember staying in a hostel during one of his games (most I attended) and watching the Rugby game on TV saying "my boyfriend is on that team... he is Bruce Deans".
Some random person at the hostel said "Ya right"
I couldn't possible explain that one.
That was a beginning of a very special friendship.
He then later flew to California and helped Rugby at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo and other teams. Our relationship lasted for awhile but our lives were too far away.
The love letters he wrote! Beautiful.
I am very sad to hear this. My son who is now 22 years old played rugby from 8th grade to now possibly going to play at Sacramento state.
I always would of liked sharing this with Bruce.
He would of loved this!!
In fact I did try a few years back to leave a message with Robbie but it probably never got to him.
Sending condolences to his family. Im truly sorry.
He always had a special place in my heart and always will.
We would listen to Dire Straits together.
I have had dire straits as my Pandora for years and years. in fact I was listening to them yesterday.
I play them all the time...favorite song..our song Bruce...
"Romeo and Juliet".
The words truth.
I am so thankful for the memories.
I somehow feel you here.

You will be greatly missed Bruce. We had some great times in SAN Luis Obispo CA and will never forget the good friend you were to me and again back in NZ. Rest In Peace dear friend. Jules Elliot (née Curtis)

My deepest sympathy to the Deans family. Bruce was a wonderful man and an inspiration to me as a teenager playing with and against each other on the cricket field. His work ethic, dry sense of humour and outstanding efforts on the rugby field will never be forgotten. I feel privileged our paths crossed, albeit for far too shorter time. Dean

Dear Joy and Family.Thinking of you all,my boys thought the world of the "Deans Bro's" still have Rugby socks with their names sewn on from Joy.Love Ellie and Murray Messervy

A cherished member from the golden age of Canterbury rugby which began a legacy perhaps never to be repeated in our times Our spirits stand with Bruces beloved family,friends and community.Love and faith from Craig and Annette

So sorry you were struck so early, one of those few people that even with his quiet demeanour always smiled with his eyes. Enjoyed the times on the cricket field, both with and against and the pleasure he gave me with his rugby skills.

Deepest sympathy to the Deans family. He was a very special person. Pat (Pinus) and Dusty Pine.

Favourite all-time Canterbury player. Many happy memories as a teen watching Bruce play at Lancaster Park. I admired him for his dedication week in and week out, and his sportsmanship. I always thought I might run into him one day and be able to thank him personally. I hope he knew how much pleasure he gave to rugby fans and what a great role model he was. Sincere thoughts are with his family.