Global thought leader visits Campbell River to discuss estate planning

Global thought leader visits Campbell River to discuss estate planning

Published 10:45 am Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Thought leader and best-selling author Dr. Thomas Deans, a renowned expert on generational wealth transfer, visited Campbell River on Nov. 6 to deliver an engaging talk on what happens when families fail to plan for the future.

The evening, hosted by the Campbell River Community Foundation at the Tidemark Theatre, aimed to transform discussions on charitable giving, legacy and estate planning within the community.

The night began with a screening of the documentary “UnCharitable,” which critiques the traditional constraints that limit non-profit organizations in fulfilling their missions.

Following the documentary, Dr. Deans, author of the best-selling family business book “Every Family’s Business: 12 Common Sense Questions to Protect Your Wealth,” discussed the pitfalls of not having an estate plan in Canada.

Deans noted how there is an entire generation in Canada that feels completely trapped when it comes to transitioning their wealth, amidst an era marked by the widespread accumulation and concentration of wealth.

When individuals die without a will or a clearly communicated estate plan, their wealth does not simply transfer; it often unravels, he said.

A lack of planning, documentation and open dialogue can lead to family conflict, legal disputes, tax inefficiencies, unintended beneficiaries, and business instability, he said.

With his talk, the goal was to challenge traditional beliefs and broaden perspectives on how generational wealth can be passed down to maintain and enhance both family ties and the wealth itself.

Deans urged participants to rethink the concept of wealth transfer. Instead of viewing it as a single event – often occurring at death – he proposed it should be a deliberate, multi-generational dialogue.

Deans also explored the legal and financial aspects of estate planning, business succession, and strategic philanthropy in a practical discussion with Campbell River-based experts Lyle Carlstrom of CR Lawyers, Alyssa Thomas of MNP and Shawn Fetter, associate portfolio manager at Alitis Investment Counsel.