With sadness and respect – Dakota Descoteaux
March 10th, 2025
Dakota (Brian) Descoteaux
February 10, 1958 – March 6, 2025
With deep respect and sadness, I share the passing of our cherished PLDI trainer and community leader, Dakota Descoteaux.
In mid-December, Dakota faced the return of cancer—less than six months after undergoing extensive surgery in the hope of overcoming it. Though he had always cherished life, his quality of life had significantly declined in recent months.
In his final days, Dakota was deeply moved by the heartfelt, uplifting, and love-filled messages he received from friends and loved ones. In true Dakota fashion, he assembled a support team with family and friends and chose to access medical assistance in dying (MAID) to peacefully end his suffering on a beautiful, sunny Thursday, March 6.
Dakota was an extraordinary leader, mentor, and trainer within PLDI. Even when he could no longer facilitate, he remained the program’s greatest cheerleader. We were incredibly fortunate to have him and his devoted partner, Scott, present at the PLDI BC 15-Year “Encourage the Heart” Soirée in October. That evening, Dakota was in delightful form, radiating happiness to be among friends, trainers, and new participants.
Beyond PLDI, Dakota’s legacy of leadership and volunteerism spans decades in Vancouver. His impact was felt through PAN-PLDI, Vancouver Friends for Life Society, Health Initiative for Men (HIM), Positive Living BC, and many more organizations. I fondly recall seeing Dakota shine as Chair of the Positive Gathering one year—just one of many moments where his passion and dedication stood out.
Dakota will be deeply missed by all who knew him, including PAN staff who had the joy of working with him over many, many, years His kindness, warmth, and unwavering support for others left an indelible mark on our community. I will share updates on any plans to honor Dakota’s wishes regarding a memorial or tribute.
With gratitude for his life and legacy,
Marc Seguin PAN-PLDI Manager.
Source: PAN
https://paninbc.ca/2025/03/10/with-sadness-and-respect-dakota-descoteaux/
"Reproduced with permission - PAN"
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