James DEAN Obituary
Capt (N) Retd, CD, RCN, VE3IQ
Peacefully at home, at the age of 77, on January 3, 2015, Jim died in the arms of his loving wife of 54 years, Sandra. He will be sorely missed by his sons James (Karen) and Peter (Jodie) and his grandchildren James, Bethany, Emily and Allison. An engineer, Jim enjoyed a full naval career, then was a consultant with CFN. He was an active amateur radio enthusiast, holding positions at local, national and international levels. His many interests leave a wide circle of friends who, along with his family, will sadly miss this kind and honourable man. A heartfelt thank you to all who have stood by us through his illness. A memorial service and reception will be held at Bell's Corners United Church, 3955 Old Richmond Road, on Saturday, January 17 at 2 pm.
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44 Entries
January 29, 2015
Sandra:
I have only just heard the shocking and saddening news about Jim.
As a fellow amateur radio operator I came to know Jim well, particularly in connection with his work for Radio Amateurs of Canada. He was a very strong advocate for RAC and for amateur radio in general. I think of Jim as a very sincere,dedicated, tactful, intelligent man who did a great deal to promote amateur radio. I was privileged to work with him and benefitted from his good advice on numerous occasions.
My sincere condolences go to you and all of the family.
Bob Kavanagh
VE3OSZ
Ed Frazer
January 19, 2015
Condolences to Sandra and family. I first met Jim many years ago during board meetings of Radio Amateurs of Canada, and will always remember the friendly reception and assistance that Jim gave me. Over the years, Jim was unfailingly helpful and was a major contributor to the success of amateur radio in Canada.
Ed Frazer VE7EF
Don Wilson
January 16, 2015
Condolences to Sandra and the family. Jim and I first met in Sorel in the early '70's when he was standing by IROQUOIS and I was there for HURON. A real gentleman and impressive Naval Officer who was always willing to help out wherever he could. Later he and I were involved in the Canadian Naval Technical History Association where he made many very useful contributions. We will miss him!
Janet Campbell
January 16, 2015
Dear Sandra and family,
Jim was such a nice man - a staple in the neighbourhood - I will miss our friendly chats while out gardening or walking.
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Ven Sampath
January 15, 2015
My sincere condolences to Jim's family. I met him through work - we used to attend spectrum standardization meetings in Ottawa and Geneva - and he was always such a pleasant person with whom to work and exchange views. His unfailing courtesy and deep knowledge of the issues involved were an attribute; his presence will be sorely missed. Thank you, Jim, for the good memories and may your soul rest in peace.
Vino Vinodrai
January 15, 2015
A real gentleman. A good working companion at RABC and ITU. Condolences to the family.
Vino
Steve Cole
January 15, 2015
My condolences to the family.
James (Jim) and I enjoyed many radio contacts over the years and will be sadly missed.
73 OM, RIP de Steve GW4BLE
January 15, 2015
Our deepest condolences to the Dean Family. Jim was a long-time member and major contributor to the Radio Advisory Board of Canada. His knowledge and expertise in representing the Radio Amateur community was appreciated by everyone. Jim was always soft spoken, a courteous gentleman and a friend to everyone. He will be greatly missed by his many colleagues at the Board.
Don Woodford, President
Roger Poirier, General Manager
Brian Lee
January 15, 2015
Jim, Peter, sad to hear of your Dads passing. I recognized him right away from his picture as it is how I remember him when hanging out at your house in Halifax growing up. Please say hi and pass on my condolences to your mom.
Bryan Rawlings
January 14, 2015
Dear Sandra and Family, Jim was a colleague who I was privileged to count as a friend and mentor. He was unfailingly generous in assisting me to take over (albeit less capably) some of the functions he had discharged in international amateur radio regulation. I only hope that some day I can be as much a credit to our pastime as Jim will be remembered for being. Louise and I send you and your family our sincere condolences.
Bryan Rawlings VE3QN
Diane Reid
January 14, 2015
I'm sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I will always have the vision of Jim sitting up in the balcony at Southminster, manning the sound board, in my memory. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Sandra, and the family.
January 14, 2015
Jim and Sandra were very gracious hosts when I stayed overnight at their home in Ottawa. Later we had the pleasure of hosting Jim and Sandra at our home in Moncton.
Jim was completely devoted to Amateur Radio and it was always
encouraging to see his efforts on behalf of the Amateur Radio Service.
We've lost a real champion. Our sincere condolences to Sandra and
the Dean family.
Bill and Pat Gillis, VE1WG & VE1PAT
Joseph "Joe" MacPherson
January 14, 2015
Sincerest condolences to the Dean family. I was saddened by the news of Jim's passing. I have known Jim for over 30 years and enjoyed talking with him while I lived in Ottawa. Jim made a significant contribution to Amateur Radio while serving on the Executive of Radio Amateurs of Canada. Among his many qualities, first and foremost was the fact that he was always a "gentleman". Although since moving to NS 20 years ago, I did not have much contact with him, he will always be remembered as a friend and amateur radio colleague. Thanks for the memories, Jim. Rest in Peace. de VE1CH
Neil Barrett
January 14, 2015
It seems such a short time ago that Jim and I first met in the halls of Royal Roads in the Summer of 1955. Jim was coming in from RMC, me from Acadia. Jim was one of the first of the new breed of officers leading the RCN, and throughout his career and later working life, provided a wonderful example for his juniors to emulate. We are sorry for your loss Sandra. Jim was a fine man.
Doug Leach
January 13, 2015
Dear Sandra, Jim, Peter and families
Jim Dean was a fellow radio amateur and a man we all respected for his knowledge and integrity. He made amazing contributions to the national amateur radio association and to his fellow radio amateurs through his enthusiasm and interest. He has made a difference to many lives and will be missed.
David Rayner
January 11, 2015
Hello Sandra and Dean families
Clare and I send our condolences to all of you and wish you well in remembering and celebrating a life well lived.
Clare and David Rayner
January 10, 2015
A memorable part of my Naval career in Halifax and Ottawa. Many thanks for strong advice and guidance.
Linda Feaver, LCdr (Ret'd)
Bill and Dale Dziadyk
January 10, 2015
Captain Jim Dean always took a very personal (and very much appreciated) interest in the wellbeing of the naval personnel (and their families) who served under his leadership.
After his retirement from the Navy, his former ship mates continued to value his friendship and advice.
He will be sadly missed by us all.
Diane Shaver
January 9, 2015
Mrs. Dean & family, please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Capt.(N)Dean. I remember him fondly from DND/LSTL Bldg. when he would drop into the Maritime Technical Library. He was always very approachable and interested in the Library and any issues we had. A really nice person.
Diane Shaver (ret'd Librarian)
Edmund Bowkett
January 9, 2015
We were very sorry to hear of your loss. I always regarded Jim as a kind and principled officer. It was a great pleasure to serve with him.
Doug, Barbara and Andrew Young
January 9, 2015
Sandra: Very sad to hear of this news. My family and I were at Lawrence and Margaret Cumming just this past New Years day and I asked after you and Jim there. I received notice of Jim's passing just yesterday. Hope he was not suffering long. Know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Brian and Peggy Kinsley
January 8, 2015
We just came back from an NAC orchestra evening. We had looked for you and Jim because we were near where you often sat and we spoke of you both and wondered how Jim was. I checked emails upon arriving home and received your sad news.
Brian and I send our sympathy to you, Sandra, and to your family. We so appreciate having known you both at Southminster for many years.
Ken Little
January 8, 2015
Dear Sandra - Jackie and I extend our heartfelt sympathies to you and your family in the loss of Jim. Sincerely, Jackie and Ken Little, Nanaimo, BC
Ruth LeBlanc
January 8, 2015
To Sandra and the Dean family - We offer our sincere condolences on the passing of Jim. - Ruth (nee Bowen) and Eric LeBlanc
January 8, 2015
Sandra & Family, Our thoughts are with you at this time.Thinking of you often. Larry & Jeannie Batchelar , Bubs Brock, & Chris & Lindsay Batchelar.
Monique Backs
January 8, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Larry Ashley
January 7, 2015
Dear Sandra,
It is with deep sadness that Gail and I learned of Jim's death while out of the country. I extend to you and your family our sincere condolences.
We do not have to tell you that Jim was one of a kind. His love of his family, profession and Canada were profound. He was universally respected for his kind and gentle nature, wise counsel and expertise in the field of naval telecommunications. As a fellow naval cadet who joined the RCN in 1955 with Jim, the joke in our entry class was that Jim arrived already trained as a naval communicator!
Jim will be sorely missed and I am honoured to say that he was my friend and that I had the privilege to work with him in one capacity or another for over 40 years. He will be missed.
Sincerely,
Gail and Larry Ashley
January 7, 2015
Jim was a dear friend of mine for the past 20 years, mainly through amateur radio but also some other family connections. We worked together on amateur radio projects in Ottawa and after I moved to Niagara, Jim, John Duffy from Mississauga and I communicated weekly via radio which continued up until two weeks before Christmas. Even though I hadn't seen Jim for a long time in person, our weekly radio "skeds" were a very strong bond as we exchanged stories from the present and the past.
All through the last years as he battled his illness, he kept a very positive outlook, which had to take a lot of courage and it certainly demonstrated his strength of character. His contributions to amateur radio were enormous and he will be greatly missed.
My condolences to Sandra, and the rest of the family. Jim, may you rest in peace.
Doug Frame VE3JDF
Chris Bowen
January 7, 2015
Our sincere condolances on Jim's passing. We've had a long and full relationship and I'm sad - from my childhood days in Oak Bay to the beginings of our journey in the service (he provided a reference for my very first security clearance almost 28 years ago), to now, most of 50 years Jim was there as a mentor and friend of the family. Fair winds and following seas Jim, and to the extended Dean family our thoughts are with you as you say goodbye. Chris and Trish Bowen, Courtenay and Victoria, BC.
Smith Falls, Flea Market 2014
Curt Bowles
January 7, 2015
Over 44 years ago in Halifax I met Jim, on the air (who was VE1ANF then) a Naval Officer who became a life time mentor and friend. We served together and worked on many Naval Projects where he challenged me to put those lessons to use. Always the teacher and educator, he taught me the power of the written word, the importance of work politics and opened my world to project management, computer and engineer technologies. After retirement from the navy, we both continued our professional relationship. Shearing a mutual hobby of Ham Radio, Jim and I worked on many ham projects; we both love to designing, plan and construct equipment, especially antennas…anything to help us work that rare foreign Ham radio station. Trips to Dayton and to flea markets to get parts…the garage became fuller… much to Sandra's chagrin…but usually with a smile?. So many laughs and fond memories! I also wish you fair winds and following seas. I will miss you my friend!
de VE3ZN
January 7, 2015
Jim was indeed a piller in the ham radio community. He will be missed. Bucky VE3JRR Westport Ontario
Wendy & Ian Thomson
January 7, 2015
Although Ian and I never met your father, Jim, it sounds like he was a wonderful man and that he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Leith Jennings ZL2AL
January 7, 2015
Dear James and Family;
Your Dad and I were kids when we met and shared our love of ham radio. There were many times that we had little contact with each other because of distance or things happening in our lives. A friendship is never a friendship if you have to work at it. We didn't. It just came naturally and we were able to pick up where we left off each time we renewed that friendship. Your Dad was one of the most capable guys I ever met. I guess that is why he has such a distinguished career in the Navy. He was a very accomplished ham radio operator well respected by his peers.
I will miss our emails and renewed friendship over the past few years. You, your Mother and family will surely be missing him and will be grieving.
I feel very sad but feel privileged to have known Jim for all those years. Thank you for letting me know. I smiled at your signature "James IV" It is nice to know that some of Jim that I knew will be carrying on in his son. Please relay my condolences to your Mom Sandra.
Thanks for letting me know. I will drink a toast to your Dad at 5 PM tonight when my wife and I discuss the day and plan tomorrow. I will miss him.
73, Lee Jennings ZL2AL
Maxine Bowen
January 7, 2015
Jim has been a shipmate, naval colleague, and steadfast friend for over 50 years. We were privileged to share in some of his many interests: ham radio, developments in telecommunications, all things naval (including the books of Julian Stockwin), and Maxine cartoons! Our sincere condolences to Sandra, and to James and Peter and their families. An Officer and a Gentleman, Jim will be much missed. Mike and Maxine Bowen
Roger Lamoureux
January 7, 2015
I did not know Mr. Dean very much but I could tell that he was person with a lot of Charisma.
Condolences to the family and friends!
Shirley Martin
January 7, 2015
Peter, Jodie, Emily and Allie
Sending lots of love and prayers to your family and your Mom. What do you say to someone that has lost the love of there life. Will be hard roads ahead, but hopefully the memories of fun times will fill a bit of the void. My mom had a hard time when Dad passed, she will need lots of support. You were such a kind person to me, and our family. You hold a very warm spot in my heart. I know it had to come from some amazing parents. Sending lots of hugs xxo
Ric Hattin, Cdr (ret'd)
January 7, 2015
He was truly a gentleman with class. A godfather to many CSE's when our classification was just starting up. He kept his hand firmly on the tiller of what was best for the Navy.
janice dawson(phaneuf)
January 7, 2015
I am sorry to hear about the passing of a father, son, brother and husband. our thoughts are with you, and remember he may not be here in body but he will always be here in spirit and your minds.
Jim Pfaff
January 7, 2015
Please accept my condolences on the passing of Jim. He has been fighting the terrible C disease for quite some time and now is free. A pleasure to work for and with in the Navy, he will be missed. Yours aye.
glenn mcdonald
January 7, 2015
Very nice man to meet. Met him at the CPF Project.
George Prudat
January 7, 2015
A great teacher and mentor who made huge contributions to the RCN, especially during his time with the Frigate program.
RIP
George Gorsline
January 7, 2015
Jim was a great teacher and friend for over 30 years. I will miss his advice and sense of humour. He was a superb operator on the air and a strong and valued contributor to making Canadian amateur radio better as an officer in the national society, in his activities internationally and in working with government regulators to promote amateur radio. May he rest in peace. VE3IQ de VE3YV
John Duffy
January 6, 2015
This marks the passing of my oldest friend-Jim and I go back over 60 years. We shared many adventures-high school, army camp and especially ham radio. He has finally worked the rarest DX entity-heaven.
Sincerest condolences to Sandra and the family.Fortunately I was able to visit Jim shortly before his passing. So you see Sandra, it never was too late!!!
Smooth sailing, gud DX es 73.
John
VE3DRZ
Cary Honeywell
January 4, 2015
A terrible loss to us all. Jim was one of the most respected members of the Ham fraternity. Fair winds and following seas Capt (N) Dean.
de VE3EV
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