Dustin Joseph HARTLEY BSc, MSc (Entomology)

It is with immense sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Dustin Joseph Hartley on September 26, 2021 at the age of 45.

Dustin was born on the Ides of March (15th) 1976.  Even as a young child his sharp wit, quick mind and unique sense of humour always separated Dustin from the crowd.  In life Dusty did things his way, from his morning bathroom routine to the way he organized his tackle box, Dustin always had a plan.  In his academic years whether at Augustana University in Camrose or the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Dustin navigated his own path.  His path led Dustin to the world of Entomology and to completing his Masters working under the direction of John R Spence BSc, MSc, PhD.  Dustin went on to do high quality work using his talents in the identification of beetles for David William Langor BSc, MSc, PhD at the Canadian Forest Service. During the period between 2008 to present, Dustin identified well in excess of 100,000 specimens of ground & rove beetles.  He was an essential part of the forest biodiversity team, made many significant contributions to their research program and his work led to various publications.

In life Dustin had a great many interests; fishing, local rock/alt county music, carving, sports (betting), cards and games but looking back on all his life it’s quite clear that Dustin’s real interest was people.  From his parents and siblings to his nieces and nephew, the countless colleagues, members of his band Pinned, to the Edmonton community of friends and extended family whom which he spent his time.  Dustin always had time for everyone and never uttered a bad word about anyone.  He added a dose of energy and vitality to any occasion, and we will all greatly miss him. He was an expert on almost everything and loved discussions about almost anything.  To his counterparts, his enthusiasm about all things entomological, his sense of humour, love of good social times with good food and his expert contributions to their field made him a fine friend and colleague. Remembered by many as the big guy with a bigger heart.  Dustin was impacted throughout his adult life by mental health challenges but his family’s love, acceptance, and commitment to him, ensured he had the support he needed to live a full, happy, rewarding life.   In the end all Dustin ever asked was to be accepted, what you see is what you get.  Heaven gained a valued voice, and the Earth lost a good friend.

Dustin was predeceased by his nephew Tyson and will be lovingly remembered by his parents, Alan & Muriel; his siblings, Monique (Kevin), Daniel (Lonnie) and Christopher (Kaitlin); his nieces, Marie, Julia, Fiona, Aurora and Helen; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and friends.

A private service will be held at 11:00am October 8, 2021 the Resurrection Catholic Church 10555 – 50A St. Edmonton with Father Martin Carroll officiating, followed by a brief ceremony and interment at 3:00pm with food and refreshments at the Easyford Cemetery. Dropped pin
https://maps.app.goo.gl/eXL9gV9MGeUaZ1MGA  Anyone attending the Interment, please bring a chair.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dustin’s name to the following: 

Attn: Lisa Lumley, Secretary

Entomological Society of Alberta

CW405 Biological Sciences

University of Alberta 

Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9

 

Community Scholarship Trust Society 

Box 7417, Drayton Valley, Alberta

T7A 1S6

http://www.community-scholarship.com/

20 Comments

  1. Cassie McKay

    Thoughts and prayers to the Hartley Family.

    Reply
  2. Chana Martineau

    I am so very sorry for the loss of Dustin. Much love to all.

    Reply
  3. Annette Hogan

    Sending you all our deepest condolences.

    Reply
  4. Gilles & Vicky Lefebvre

    Our condolences to all of Dustin’s family and friends. Rest in Peace.

    Reply
  5. Joyce LaForce

    Alan, Muriel and the Hartley Family
    Thinking of you all and sending my sincere condolence on the death of your dear son, brother and uncle, Duston.
    Prayers and God Bless. Joyce LaForce

    Reply
  6. Paulette Lefebvre Schoenberger

    Dearest Muriel and Alan. I am so saddened to hear of your son, Dustin’s passing. He came to the lake with Christian and Hector, so I got to meet Dustin when he was a young man,
    My husband Paul also Died of a heart attack too, so I know how a sudden death can affect you. You are still grieving over your grandsons death. God never gives us more than we can handle, but sometimes he really tests us.
    Please accept my prayers and condolences. Thinking of all of you. 🙏🙏🙏💕

    Reply
  7. Scott Reynolds

    Was and always will be a huge fan of Dustin.

    Reply
  8. Marguerite Jones

    Deepest Sympathy to the Hartley Family from Margy and Dave Jones! Also Aunt Bella! 2 years ago Dustin and Muriel spent a couple days with us at our lake lot on Slave Lake leaving us with Precious Memories! Dustin and the Hartley Family our on our Prayers!

    Reply
  9. Michelle Black

    Sending our deepest condolences – Dustin will be missed.

    Love Michelle and Kelly Black

    Reply
  10. Eleanor Maureen Poirier

    My heart breaks for the family. God Bless you all.

    Reply
  11. Corinne Cowan

    We feel your loss and sorrow. Alan & Muriel and family,you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  12. Rachelle &Charles

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time

    Reply
  13. Lucienne & Raymond Birn

    My prayers and sympathy go out to cousin Muriel, Allan and Family. So sorry to hear of this sudden loss. Hugs and prayers to each of you.🙏🙏

    Reply
  14. Michelle Barkway

    So sorry to hear of Dustin’s passing. Condolences to his many friends and family.

    Reply
  15. Tedd and Darlene Wagil

    Our sincere condolences to Allan, Muriel and family on the loss of Dustin! Thinking of you at this difficult time!🙏🙏❤️

    Reply
  16. 444777nlp

    My heart goes out to you Muriel and Alan and all of the family. I know that Dustin was well loved, because you have big hearts. And I know that following your example, he lived a joyous life. Our prayers are with you.

    Love, Cousin Nancy and Adjani and Emani

    Reply
  17. pointewestcremation

    Alan, Muriel, Chris and family,
    Please accept our deepest condolences over the loss of your precious son and brother.
    Ryan and Kathleen Palmer

    Reply
  18. John Spence

    We who knew Dustin are both happier and better off for having been so fortunate. As laid out nicely in the eulogy, he was one of a kind. As a student and colleague he was smart, creative and insightful. He was a team player, giving more than his share when he could. He made us laugh and often helped us understand more than we could on our own. As a friend, he was loyal, warm, giving and thoughtful. As a person, he taught me much. Despite challenges later in life, he remained optimistic and gave his best. I shall miss him. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family and my thanks for the gift that was Dustin.

    Reply
  19. Lee-Anne Lyon

    Sincere condolences to all of the Hartley family. Regardless of age, he’s still ‘your boy’.

    Reply
  20. Doreen Hebert

    Think about your family on the loss of your loved one. Prayers and hugs from the Hebert families 💐

    Reply

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