The Dean family is sad to announce the passing of Franklin Maxwell Dean of North Harbour, Placentia Bay at the Dr. G.B. Cross Memorial hospital in Clarenville on September 20th, 2026.
Frank was born on April 9th, 1933 to Gladys and Wilson Dean and spent the next 93 years living his life to the fullest. He worked in the lumber woods as a cook, with CNT and with the department of transportation working his way up to foreman. He was a supportive and dedicated husband to Ada, fantastic father to Tracey and Jeff and a great friend to many. He loved spending time outside fishing, hunting, berry picking, boating, beachcombing and gardening. He also spent time woodworking and has been known to build boats, benches, swings and a shed or two. With Frank the door was always open and everyone was welcome in his home. Especially if you were up for a lunch and yarn! Frank could sit and tell stories and talk of days gone by in the harbour from dawn till dusk. And not telling the same story twice. As the oldest person in North Harbour, he acquired many years of history that he was more than willing to share with anyone who asked. His kindness, generosity and love for his family and friends will remain in the hearts of those who had the pleasure to know him. He spent 93 years building memories with family and friends that will stand the test of time.
Frank is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ada Dean, his sister Bernice Drover (Harvey), children Tracey Dean and Jeffrey Dean (Marianne) and sister-in-law Edna Dean. He is predeceased by his parents Gladys and Wilson Dean, brother Baxter Dean and sister Doris Sharpe (Ron). Also predeceased by mother-in-law Rosie Reid, father-in-law Stan Reid and brother in laws Roland Reid, Stan Reid and Les Reid.
Visitation will be on held on Wednesday September 23rd, 2026, from 2-4 and 7-9pm at St. Matthews Anglican church, North Harbour. Funeral service will be held at the North Harbour, Anglican Church on Thursday, September 24th, 2026 at 2:00 pm with Rev. Derrick Sheppard officiating. Interment will follow at the Anglican Cemetery, North Harbour.
In lieu of flowers a donation can be made in his memory to the Anglican church.
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Previous Joseph P. Oliger
Jean Jewer (Eddy) says
September 22, 2026 at 3:35 pmAda,Tracey and Jeff, I remember Frank from my earliest visits to North Harbour. He was always a kind and welcoming person, always ready to sit and visit. Whenever I think of North Harbour I always think of Frank and Ada. I’m sure he will be missed by the whole Harbour. My sincere condolences for your loss.
Bill & Sadie Goobie says
September 22, 2026 at 6:32 pmAda and.family sorry to hear about the passing of your love one. Condolences to you and your family
Kelly Power (Rowsell) says
September 22, 2026 at 3:39 pmSending my deepest and most sincere condolences to Ada, Tracey, Jeff and the entire family on the passing of “Uncle Frank”.
Through Leanne Brinston(Stuckless), I knew “Uncle Frank” long before I actually met him because his name came up so often in stories and conversations, so when I finally met him, he was every bit the man I had heard so much about, and then some.
I know that he had a life well lived, surrounded by the things he loved and, most importantly, his family. The stories of him and his garden, he and Tracey puttering around together, time spent around the boat and out on the water will be memories that stay with you forever. There’s something pretty special about a life filled with simple things that bring you joy. Family, the garden, the boat, getting out fishing, and just being together.
At 93, he leaves behind a lifetime of memories and stories, and I hope those memories bring you some comfort in the days ahead.
Thinking of you all and sending lots of love. Rest easy, Uncle Frank. You certainly had a good long run and a life well lived.
Heather Sharpe says
September 22, 2026 at 7:58 pmAunt Ada, Tracey and Jeff and all the family, condolences to you all. Such a wonderful man, who leaves behind so many fond memories! Wayne loved spending his summers with uncle Frank and aunt Ada . He relayed so many wonderful memories of a man so giving of his time. I hope you meet Doris , Tony and Wayne at the pearly gates! Rest easy uncle Frank… Love Heather and family❤️
Donna Pardy says
September 23, 2026 at 9:34 amAda, Jeff and Tracey- so sorry to hear of Uncle Frank’s passing. The last time I spoke with him was down on grandfather’s stage. He was splitin’ fish. When I find the pictures I will send them along.
He always had a warm smile and was a constant fixture in my childhood visits to Nan & Pop’s.
Wishing you all the best for the week ahead. You are all in my thoughts.
Bax Smith says
September 23, 2026 at 12:01 pmTo Ada, Tracey, and Jeff;
So sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. He was such a good friend.
Hold fast to the many good memories I’m sure you have.
Remember: “To Live in Hearts We Leave Behind, is Not to Die”. Thomas Campbell
Jean and Bax