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It is with heavy hearts the family of Dean Smith announce that the world has just become a little bit quieter. Dean passed away peacefully at the Northumberland Hills Hospital July 26, 2023 surrounded by the love of his family at the age of 80 after a brief illness. He leaves behind the love of his life and most beloved wife, Rheanne Smith (nee: Grunerud) whom he shared 59 years of marriage. Loved father to Brad (Lynn) Smith and Rebecca (Terry) Bayliss. Cherished grandpa to Andrew Smith, Nathan Smith and Alyssa Smith. Pre-deceased by his brother, sisters and parents. Dean will be deeply missed by all of his family including his sister-in-law, his model train friends, coffee friends and all his neighbours who he spent many hours chatting with. Dean was a proud farmer in Saskatchewan. When his grandchildren were born, he and Rheanne decided to pack their bags and move across the country to watch them grow up. It was the greatest choice they have ever made. If you knew Dean, you knew he loved to talk. On days when he went for walks it was always a guessing game on when he would return. If he found someone to chat with, he very well may have been gone for quiet some time. But this was the kind of man Dean was. He loved to spend time with people and he most especially loved his family. A Celebration of Dean’s life will take place on Sunday, July 30, 2023 from 2:00 – 5:00 PM at MacCoubrey Funeral Home Reception Lounge. Dean’s family will pick up where Dean left off and chat with all guests with a Sharing of Memories Service about Dean at 2:30PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
We are so very sorry to hear of Dean's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rheanne and family. Dean will be missed by so many in our neighbourhood. We have enjoyed some great chats with Dean over the years.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Words cannot begin to express the emptiness we feel as we mourn but also celebrate our amazing friend Dean. You will be so missed. The four of us had so many good times, laughs and maybe even a few beverages together. You and Leigh had many discussions solving the problems of the world, and worked on so many projects together from being on the New Amherst Condo Board, to organizing and helping out at the annual neighbourhood BBQ's, to personal home and cottage renovations. You were always willing and kind enough to lend a hand, and your advice and expertise was always welcomed. Family was important to you and you never wavered in your love and support of them. You extended this to our family as well. We faithfully kept in touch either by phone or in person. You always appeared genuinely happy to see us and extended your deep-rooted Saskatchewan hospitality and warmth to us. We always left you with a hug. You were a best friend and a true friend in every sense of the word. Hugs, friend. We love you!!!! Our heartfelt condolences to all the family. love Leigh and Carol xoxo
The world is both richer and poorer for knowing Dean. Richer for all the friends who shared his friendship and poorer for now losing his presence. From a personal perspective I will treasure the many conversations I shared with Dean. From life in Saskatchewan, to trains, politics, or simply life in general Dean left me a "treasure chest" of memories. Rest in peace Dean.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Dearest Dean, You were far more than a friend! You were my best friend! I will miss you more than you could ever imagine. He loved watching sports most particularly when the grand children were competing; he wouldn’t miss a chance to be there to root them on. He was very proud of his grand children and all their accomplishments and independence. Dean’s love of family and values knew no bounds. Family always came first. He enjoyed a good debate, always fought a good fight for the right reasons. We always had lots to talk about, making sure we got together at least weekly and often chatted on the phone about every topic under the sun. I’m sure we fixed every world problem many times over. Dean cared deeply about his neighbours and community. Checking on neighbours just to say ‘hi’ or blowing the snow from everyone’s driveway. Cold, rainy or wind, Dean could be found with other volunteers hanging Christmas Lights at Victoria Park in Cobourg or helping at the Ganaraska Model Train Club, in Port Hope. Driving to help the club at shows or loading club members into his car to drive hours to check out another remote hobby stores with others who shared his passion. Your train may have left this station, but I know you’ll be waiting to greet each of us at the next crossing. Two shorts and long whistle, you’ll have the lantern to guide us in. Dean, my friend, gone too soon.
Dean was an amazing Gentleman. Yes, he liked to talk and listen. He will indeed be missed. I met Dean through the Port Hope Train Club and we enjoyed many evenings and some days (at train shows) talking trains. Rosie and I would like to offer our condolences to Rheanne and Dean's children and grandchildren.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Rheanne and family. Our heartfelt condolences. Dean was an extraordinary man and his loss will be felt by many. A wonderful friend and neighbour. May his loving memories bring you peace and comfort. Sending our love and prayers your way. Bob and Manuela ❤️
Our deepest sympathy to the Family of Dean....He was a great man..we have fond memories of him and was glad to be part of his life.. Wonderful neighbors..Our condolences to Rheanne and Family
Our deepest condolences to Aunt Rheanne and Family. It had been many years since we last saw you and Uncle Dean but know you were always present in our thoughts. We have many fond memories of visiting with you at the farm and when you moved into town prior to heading out east. Sending love and hugs to you all.
So sorry to hear of Dean's passing. Our deepest sympathy to his family. And yes, Dean did stop many times to chat with us over the years. He will be missed in our community.
Dean was for the last several years a treasured member of our weekly Chat group, often educating and entertaining us with his farming & political wisdom, usually providing indisputable proof with a colourful Saskatchewan story! We will surely miss Dean.
Dean will certainly be missed by those who have been lucky enough to enjoy his company. Dean was instrumental in organizing and implementing the Condominium Board for New Amherst 14 years ago and was always available to assist with the Board’s members who have been involved since that time. His legacy will live on. Condolences to Rheanne and family.
Tom and I are very sorry to hear about Dean's passing. He was a wonderful neighbour when we lived at New Amherst. Take care Rheanne and family.
Whether you knew Dean 10yrs or just a few months, he always took the time to stop and chat. What a remarkable gentleman. An immense loss to our community. Thinking of his family and also all of you that are grieving.
Dean for sure loved to talk with people and I only recently got to know him. He was a gem of a person and the world will be a little less for having lost him. Our prayers and wishes are with his family at this difficult time ...
Rheanne and Family: I'm so sorry for your loss. Dean was the unofficial Mayor of New Amherst when I lived there! He was always helpful to the neighbours - out with his John Deere snowblower doing everyone's walks. He was generous with his time and neighbourly in a way only a retired farmer can be!
Our sympathies to the Smith family, out of all of the people we met through our children’s sports, none were any more pleasant or respectful than Dean
So sorry for your loss, Rheanne. We will all miss Dean zooming by with a wave, and his cheerful nature.
We are so sorry to hear of Dean’s passing. It was a great pleasure to know Dean through the Port Hope model railway club. Dean had the most interesting stories and willing shared them! Dean was a wonderful, caring individual, an example of a life well led! Condolences to the family. Murray and Fran
My sincere condolences Rheanne & family on Dean’s passing! I sure will miss his daily visit with me & the neighbours! He has been an icon on Caddy/ Wilkins Gate in New Amherst for as long as I have lived here! He will be missed for sure! We live with the many memories of him in our community!
Our deepest condolences & sympathies to all of Deans family & friends. When I walked my dog Gracie, Dean & I often talked about world news, sports and union issues. He always had a kind hand for Gracie. Dean always had a smile & a wave. RIP sir, god speed friend. Blessings Susan & Kelly Wilkins Gate Residents
Dear Rheanne and family, my heart felt condolence. I was so saddened to hear of Deans passing. He touched so many people and his chats were so enlightening. A wonderful friend and neighbour. Dean will be sadly missed by many in his New Amherst community . He leaves many memories. R I P Dean??