Bruce Deacon passed away or as he would say “tipped” at the age of 76, after a brief battle with cancer with his daughters LeeAnn and Jenny and sister MarryAnn by his side.
Growing up in New Westminster, Deac had a great circle of friends that were his buddies until the day he passed. Always ready with a story from the many years of playing tricks on each other or getting into some harmless trouble.
Deac moved to Likely from New Westminster with his wife Shirley and children Leeann, Jenny, Barry and Darrell in the mid l970’s after purchasing the Likely Hotel which he renamed “The Likely Hilton”. Bruce remained a publican until 2014 when he sold the business to live full time in Williams Lake, B.C.
Deac’s extreme collection of antiques and memorabilia displayed in the pub amazed his customers. The Likely Hilton had many accolades, including being mentioned in song and being written about in the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC magazine for which Bruce was most prideful.
The beer races on May Day, snow golf in March and countless other crazy events made the Hilton renowned but it was Deacs fun loving and infectious personality that separated his pub from the others.
Bruce left to mourn a loving family including his children, Nicole, LeeAnn, Jenny (Ramsey), sons Barry (Shannon) and Darrell and grandchildren Paris, Jenna, Teaghan, Marko, Seth, Dominik, Paul, Jessica and Rebecca. Brother Joe (Jean), sisters MarryAnn and Kathleen plus numerous nieces and nephews. Bruce left an amazing legacy of family and friends who can continue telling stories and remembering the lovable and very unique man that Bruce “Deac” was!
In his last days Deac (Papa) spent special time with his children and grandchildren in the sun at Boundary Bay, a place he enjoyed throughout the years.
Meeting friends at the bar for an afternoon beer and some Keno was Deacs’ ritual and although adamant on not having a funeral service, the family understands that he was loved by hundreds of people that want to celebrate his life. It would be Deacs’ wish that his buddies just have a beer in his memory.
Bruce’s wishes are to have his ashes buried in Alexis Creek beside his “old slipper” Toni in a private service surrounded by family.