Dean Reeve
November 1, 1929 to December 13, 2025
Obituary
The Funeral Service for the late Dean Reeve will be livestreamed for those unable to attend. Please click here for the link.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dean Reeve on December 13, 2025, in St. John’s, NL, at the age of 96. Born on November 1, 1929, in Lethbridge, Alberta, Dean lived a life marked by integrity, kindness, and devotion to family and friends.
In 1954, Dean proudly joined the RCMP, beginning his career stationed on Bell Island. His service took him across Newfoundland, with postings in Whitbourne, Springdale, Placentia, Goose Bay, and ultimately St. John’s, where he formed many lifelong friendships. He dearly loved Newfoundland and called it his adopted home. After 35 years of dedicated service, Dean retired and, alongside his beloved wife Eliza (Warren), enjoyed winters in Isla Del Sol, St. Petersburg, Florida, embracing golf and cherished time with loved ones.
Dean married Eliza in 1958, and together they raised three daughters: Connie, Deanne, and Susan. A devoted husband and loving father, Dean will be remembered for his gentle nature, his great sense of humor, and his unwavering commitment to family.
Dean was also a wonderful athlete who played hockey and many other sports throughout his life. He had a deep love for the outdoors and especially enjoyed salmon fishing on the Gander River, where he spent many happy days.
Dean was predeceased by his daughter Deanne (2020). He leaves to mourn his devoted wife of almost 68 years, Eliza; daughters Connie (Paul Martell) and Susan (Brent Parsons); grandchildren Justin Monk (Lindsey), Stephen Monk (Renee), Kaitlyn Parsons (Liam Kelly), and Nicholas Parsons (Samantha Keats); and great-grandchildren Carter and Scarlet Monk, and Lily Parsons. He is also remembered by brothers-in-law Philip Warren and Max Warren (Lorraine), sister-in-law Edith Booker (Ken), and numerous nieces and nephews who admired Dean for his kind and gentle nature.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to special friend Gloria Parsons for her loving support, and to the management and staff of The Morgan at Chancellor Park for their compassionate care over the past year and a half.
Dean will be lovingly remembered as a true gentleman, a devoted family man, and a dear friend.
Public Visitation will take place from Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, St. John’s, NL on Sunday, July 12th, 2026 from 2:00Pm-5:00PM.
Reverend Donna Mercer will conduct the Funeral Service from The Carnell Memorial Chapel on Monday, July 13th, 2026 at 2:00PM. Interment to follow from the Anglican Cemetery, Forest Road.
Schedule
Visitations
2:00PM-5:00PM on July 12, 2026
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
2:00pm, Monday July 13th
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
Interment to follow from The Anglican Cemetery, Forest Road.
My apologies auto-correct changed it to Brentford but should have read Brentwood..
To Dean’s family:
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. and Mrs. Reeve while I lived at Brentford. Such a truly lovely couple. I enjoyed their company immensely, and it was obvious that everyone thought so much of them. I’m very thankful to have met Mr. Reeve I understand how much he meant to everyone who knew him. My most sincere condolences to Mrs. Reeve and their children.
Cher OKeefe
Eliza, Connie, Susan and Family:
It is with great sadness that our family has learned of Dean’s passing. Dean served with our Dad as a member of the RCMP Detachment in Whitbourne in the 1950’s. As such, Dean’s presence formed a significant part of our early childhood memories. He was a kind and personable man, with a warm smile. – good to us kids! Dean and Eliza’s wedding caused great excitement in our home (situated above the detachment) and our Dad was best man, if memory serves me correctly. They were a glamorous couple in our small community. One story, if remembered correctly, involves the newlyweds. Our Dad needed Dean for some situation or other and barged into their home (yes, unlocked as was the habit in those days) and ordered Dean from his marital bed …… Despite that, our families remained friends always!! Dean was highly respected by all who knew him and will be remembered by our family with great fondness.
Vivian, Ron, and David Randell
Eliza and family, please accept our sincere condolences. Dean was our NCO in Goose Bay in the early 1970’s. He was a kind and caring NCO, and we will always respect him. He would certainly show a good example to his family and friends. and for them to follow.
Sue, sincere sympathy to you and your family on the passing of your dear Dad. Cherish your wonderful memories.
Thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this time. Dean was a wonderful kind man.
Eliza and family, please accept our sincere condolences. Dean was a true gentleman who will be sadly missed.
Walter and Elizabeth Mills
Liza
So sorry for your loss. Dean was a true gentleman. Take care
Barbara Hopkins
Thank you Sir for your service and sacrifices. My sincere condolences to your family and friends. May you rest peacefully in God’s loving embrace.
Thank you Sur for your service and sacrifices. My sincere condolences to your family and friends. May you rest peacefully in God’s loving ebrace.
Sorry to hear of Dean’s passing. Condolences to all the family. Worked with Dean in Protective policing along with other members of Dean’s Unit. He was a wonderful boss.
Eliza and family,
So sorry to hear of Dean’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences.
As a child, I remember him as a policeman on Bell Island who was so well respected and known as a kind, wonderful gentleman. It was so nice to get to meet you both when we moved into Brentwood.
Know that we are thinking of you and may Dean R.I.P.
Jim and Dorothy (nee Gray) Long
To the Reeve family: I never had the pleasure of working with Dean, but he and I crossed paths many times over the years. He was always in a good mood, cheerful and we always talked about what we had done since the last time we spoke. Heaven has gained a true gentleman. My condolences to the Dean family and may Dean rest in peace. God bless …..
Eliza and family,
I am saddened to hear of Dean’s passing. I have fond memories of time spent with both of you. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Deepest sympathy to you and your family.
To Eliza and the Reeve Family,
My Sincere Sympathy.
RIP Dean
Gloria Stewart
My heartfelt condolences.
Ann
Dear Liza, So sorry to hear of Deans passing. Deepest Sympathy. May beautiful memories sustain you in the future. Always looked forward to our meetings in Florida
To. Eliza’ Connie ,sue and families. Not enough words to describe Dean. kind,Caring,,generous,,to name a few. Always pleasant even in pain. Everyone is as his friend. The world is a better place because of Dean. I feel so blessed to have known such a wonderful person and now wish him deserved peace
Eliza and Reeves Family,
Sorry for your loss. Dean was a great guy.
Eliza, Connie, Susan and families:
Cless and I were saddened to read of Dean’s passing. I remember him well from when you were neighbours of my sister, Judy, on Fagan Drive and then from seeing him fairly often at Connie’s home in London, ON. He was always a very friendly, happy man who made everyone feel welcome. Keep your many happy memories with you in your hearts and he will always remain close. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time.
Joan and Cless Monk
Eliza & family, Vivian and I so sorry to learn of Dean’s passing. Brings back so many pleasant memories of our get togethers when you and Viv shared teaching duties at Our Lady of Lourdes school on Nagle’s Hill. Deepest condolences and sympathy to you and the family. May Dean’s memory be a blessing to you all.
I was deeply saddened to hear of Dean’s passing recently. Having known Dean for over 50 years, I can honestly say I have not met a kinder, or more compassionate man. He was the veritable “Boby Hull” of Bell Island, and his legacy was known long after his posting there ended. When he retired from the RCMP, he had served longer in Nfld than any other RCMP member and he was a ” come from away”. Dean’s friendships with security personnel of world leaders extended the world round and momento’s of those visits were proudly displayed at his home. From New Pelican to St. Pete’s, and everywhere Dean went, his smile and good nature would instantly win you over. Even though I have not seen much of Dean in the last 20 years, I will miss him dearly and know I am a better person for having the time I did with him.
Eliza, Susan, Connie & families,
My deepest condolences on Dean / Dad’s passing. I was privileged to have known him and to be a friend. Dean was a gentleman and it was a pleasure to be in his company chatting, laughing etc. I know the amazing memories you all shared will be a comfort forever. God Bless You all.
Rest in Peace Dean.
Condolences to Mrs.
Reeve and Family, so sorry
For your loss.Dean was a friend of Mom and Dad’s
On Bell Island when I was not
Much more than a little tyke!
In later years when in St. John’s
Dean was
In charge of Protective Policing
Keeping any Visiting Dignitaries and Royality safe while in the Province.
My little part being mgr. of Budget Rent a Car was providing all the vechicles, for Dean and his Staff while on the West Coast of Nfld.
I guess all thru the fact
That he trusted a Bell Islander that his job went
Smooth.
A True Gentleman for sure! And a Policeman’s Policeman.
They Do Not Make them Like Dean anymore.
R.I.P. DEAN💔
Eliza and family. Guess we all go back as far as 1965 at Springdale Detachment, where my respect for “the Corporal” caused me to withdraw my application to leave the Force. He was indeed a treasure. Still recall raising the new Canadian flag on Feb 15th of that year with Dean leading the parade.. I know you take much comfort in reflecting upon the deep respect in which he was held by everyone he came into contact with. Thinking of you. Dave Tough.
Eliza, we were so saddened to hear of Dean’s passing. Our conversations throughout the years whether it was at our Veterans functions or on the Marine Atlantic Trips across the gulf it was always a very pleasant time in your company. May you cherish all the pleasant memories and stay strong moving forward. R.I.P. our friend.
Dear Eliza and family My condolences on your loss.A good neighbour for a few years at Brentwood.A true gentleman
My love and condolences are with each of you during this sad time. Dean and Eliza were family to us for so many years.
I will always remember my Jim telling his grandchildren that Dean was the only mounted policeman to have a horse with training wheels. Those men Loved each other like brothers now they will all be together
Dean, Jim, and Wayne God Bless the heavens …God only knows the fun they will have..
To Eliza and her daughters,
Many years have passed but we will always remember Deanne as a true gentleman whom we admired. So sorry for your loss.
Paul and Peggy O’Brien
The first time I saw Dean was the day he married Eliza, I was only a young girl but to me it was the most beautiful wedding ever. (A fairy tale)
I’ve met him over the years, he was such a kind gentle man. My heart goes out to his family . I will never forget this man. It was a pleasure to know him
Remember the beautiful memories you shared with him.
Beautiful obituary for a wonderful man who will be missed by so many. I have many fond memories of spending so much time with Deanne and family. Love you guys and my sincere condolences.