Dermot (Derm) John Chafe
December 11, 1966 to January 12, 2026
Obituary
Dermot (Derm) John Chafe, aged 59, passed away unexpectedly at home, January 12, 2026, surrounded by his family.
Derm was a devoted and loving husband to Ruth Lanius (London, ON), cherished son of Dermot and Diane (Ann) Chafe, the best big brother to David, Kim (David Pine) and Jennifer (Derek Andersen) and beloved uncle to Nicholas, Ingrid, Elodie, Danica and little fur-niece, Daisy. Derm had a very special relationship with Nicholas whom he treasured as though he were his own son. Derm also leaves to mourn his brother-in-law Ulrich Lanius (Josephine Pascuzzi), niece Giovanna, and nephew Alessandro (BC).
Derm graced this world with his larger-than-life personality and sense of wonder. He was eternally curious about life and never afraid to try something new. His adventures are storied and will keep us laughing for the rest of our lives. He was fearless in his pursuit of entrepreneurial excellence and brought his exrtraordinary vision for business to life time and time again. Though he travelled far and wide across Europe, Asia and North America, his favourite place to be was home in Newfoundland with his loved ones. He especially enjoyed taking Ruth out on their boat for little, happy adventures.
Derm was a man of many talents and interests. He was a skilled photographer and he used those skills to brighten the lives of others. He shared this talent with so many, capturing their joy and accomplishments with precision, creativity and a unique perspective.
The highways beckoned Derm, calling him to go wander. And he did, travelling each one with his music blaring, windows wide open and singing at the top of his lungs. He took his role as big brother very seriously by teasing his siblings mercilessly, pushing their buttons, and doing everything he could to get a reaction. He also protected them and loved them fiercely. As a devoted son who adored his mother and father, he was ever eager to make them proud. And they were. Derm was a kind and extremely generous man with a strong sense of service to others. As a young university student, he spent a summer volunteering at soup kitchens in Toronto and was a long-time volunteer with the Gonzaga Viking Volunteers. He was always there for those who were struggling or in need. He gifted without expectation and usually anonymously. He wanted nothing in return except to know that he made a difference for someone else. Derm was a fabulous cook and loved to entertain family, friends, and colleagues. His doors were, literally, always open to everyone.
Derm was one of a kind. His life made a difference. His absence is unbearable.
He will be forever missed.
A small service to honour Derm’s life will take place on Monday, January 19. This will be a private ceremony for immediate family and very-close friends. Please keep Derm in your thoughts and prayers.
Donations, in Derm’s memory, can be made to the Gander Foodbank, https://www.ganderfoodbank.ca/ or the charity of your choice.
Ruth & Chafe familiy,
Please accept my sincere condolences
Don Richardson
So sad to learn of his demise…
My deepest condolences to the family.
My condolences to Derms family.
I worked with Derm at Tootons and was proud to call him friend. I’m shocked by his sudden passing and feel sorrow for his family’s loss.
Ruth & Chafe families.
So sad to hear of Derm’s unexpected passing.
May all the fond memories help you get through this difficult time.
Dave & Queen Blundon
Diane & Family:
My sincerest condolences on the passing of your beloved son Derm. May he have eternal peace.
Keith Peddle
I was a friend of brother David at Sobey’s forever ago. . I am sorry to read about this unexpected loss and wanted to say as much.
To the Chafe Family,
On behalf of Carol and I, we send our most heartfelt sympathies.
I was stunned to get this awful news last week and still can’t quite believe it.
I had the pleasure of sharing my work life with Derm for over 20 years. I loved his wit, remember his smile and I’ll never forget his laugh….
The phrase “not a mean bone in his body” must have been written for Derm.….. forever up for a little banter and fun poking, but never without that little chuckle of his. And if you ever needed anything, he always, always had time.
He will be impossible to forget …. in the best possible way.
Our thoughts are with you all.
Sincere condolences to all as you deal with Derm’s passing. Thankful for my all-too-brief acquaintance with him, and for having communicated my gratitude to him a short while ago for his kind gestures as a new tenant. Obviously a life well lived and worth imitating..
Ruth, Mr and Mrs Chafe and family. My sincere condolences to you all during this difficult time. I was hearted broken to hear of Derm’s sudden passing. Meeting and working closely with Derm since 2012, he was always pleasure to work with. Loving to tease, but always serious to improve status quo and helping others. I loved hearing about his new ideas and decisions, especially his investment plans for Gander where he displayed once again his desire to help others. I always looked forward to his calls and so glad I had the privilege of having a long chat on the Friday before. Be proud of this fine gentleman. Derm is forever in my thoughts and I will personally miss him dearly. May your memories of Derm help you during the difficult days ahead. Sheila💔
So sorry to hear this. I knew Derm through the photo club in Gander. I always knew him to be a very good conversationalist and a very good photographer. I’m thinking of his close friends and family at this time.
Kim and family,
I am so very sorry to hear about Derm’s passing. Derm was always a friendly student to chat with at St. Joseph’s. Please accept my sincere condolences. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
I’m so sorry to hear of Derm’s passing. I have fond memories of Derm from our university days.
To Derm’s family,
We are so sorry about Derm’s passing. He was a special person who made a difference. You will remain in our thoughts as you grieve this great loss.
Love Randy, Lorna and family.
Kim & members of the Chafe Families: Thinking of you all!! Sending our Deepest Sympathy in your time of profound loss.. Treasure your many cherished memories and keep strong for each other, Rest in peace Derm
Jennifer – so sorry for your loss. It is so hard to lose a loved one, way too young.
To Di, Derm, Ruth and all of Derm’s family.
It’s hard to find the words to express how sorry we are for your terrible loss. It is clear that Derm was an outstanding and compassionate person who was beloved and held in high regard by his family and friends. He touched many lives and I hope that the many heartfelt tributes to him bring you some comfort. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. at this very sad time.
Kim Chafe, Jennifer and Chafe Family, I’m so very sorry to hear of your brothers passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Hugs ❤️
Dave, so sorry for your loss. He sounded like an amazing guy, beautifully written words of tribute.
I’m so sorry, Jennifer, what a shock this must be. Your brother sounds like a wonderful person.
To dear Ruth and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. When I read here of what a special person Derm was, I feel certain that his passing will have created such sadness for so many given the care, love and joy he shared with you all.
Please accept my condolences from Australia, and the healing thoughts, and love sent with them.
Warmest,
Lauren Thomas.
I am so very sorry for your loss Kim. My deepest condolences to you and your family ❤️
Thinking of you Kim David Nicholas and all your family! Condolences to you all!
Sending you all love. Thinking of you all at this very difficult time. Give Nick a hug from me
I’m so sorry for your loss, Kim. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
Sorry for your loss, Dave. Condolences to you and your family!
Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family Dave.
Jennifer, I’m so sorry about your brother. I know how sudden this is, and my heart is with you and your family. Thinking of you, sending you love and holding you close in my thoughts. Here for you always.
I was attending a union GM a couple of years ago in Gander and dropped in to a local restaurant. I ordered a meal and was chatting with the lovely lady behind the counter….. she made the comment ‘ by’ your certainly not from out here are ye?’ I said ‘ No, I’m from St.John’s….. just here in union business. ‘ You must be from some odd part of town to sound like that?!…..So I laughed and said to her’ I’m from an area called The Battery. With that this guy grabs me by the arm from behind and says’ from where?!…. It was Derm Chafe, who though was a few years older than me remembered quite well from school and was in his brother David’s class for about 10 years. We had a nice chat but unfortunately never got to sit and have a better one because I had to attend a meeting. It was a familiar conversation, like I knew him all of my life and wished that I had kept in contact with him. There is always a lesson to be learned….. make time no matter the situation , we never know when we won’t get any more
Ruth, we were so sorry to hear about Dermot’s passing. We remember when you met him and the quiet smile of happiness you gave as you described him to us!
Please know that Nancy, Sue and I are keeping you and Dermot’s family in our thoughts and hearts. Look after each other during this difficult time.
Nancy Wardrop, Sue Glanfield and Dawn White
Prayers for all of you.
I’m so very sorry for your heartbreaking loss. Thinking of you and all who loved him.
He sounds like he was the best brother and a wonderful man gone too soon. Sending my condolences, Kim, to you and your family.
Thinking of you all Kim at this sad time. ❤️
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family ❤️
Kim, I’m so very sorry for the loss of your brother. It’s never easy to lose a sibling. Treasure all your memories together.
So sorry for your loss. Sending my condolences. 💐
Kim, I am so deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your brother Derm. I can only imagine what you and your family are going through right now. Please know that I am thinking of you all. May you find peace in the many happy memories you have of Derm and your time together.
Sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. Prayers for your family.
So sorry for your loss Dave.
We were so saddened to hear of Derm’s unexpected passing. May the love of family and friend help ease the pain during this difficult time. Hold his memory close. In our thoughts and prayers.
James and Angie Blackwood
My condolences Dave to you and your family
Very sorry for the loss of your brother, Dave.
Our condolences to all the family on Derm’s passing..
So sorry to hear of Derm’s passing. Derm was my landlord in Gander for a long time. He was always so kind to me and my dad, who rented the other part of the house I was in. He came to my apartment after I was living there for a lot of years (most of which he didn’t own the house) and said, it’s time for an upgrade. He let me pick out everything I wanted to do there. From the wall colors to the appliances, even the handles on the doors. He wanted it to feel like a home for me. And that to me was Derm, he always made everyone feel important and wanted everyone to feel like they had a home. I’ve spoken highly of him to anyone who would listen. He will be missed by many, especially his Gander friends, coworkers and family. Rest In Peace.
Sorry for your loss Dave and family
Thinking about you, Dave ❤️
Sending my deepest condolences, Dave. Take care during this challenging time
Sorry for your loss Dave , GODSPEED 🙏🙏
Sorry for your loss Dave 😔
I’m so sorry to hear about Derm. We were half second cousins and classmates through the years at St. Joseph’s and I have such fond memories of him from that time.
I’ll always remember him being so sweet and helpful when I had difficulty with math.
My deepest condolences to all of Derm’s loved ones. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. May he rest in peace.
heart out to you, sending my regards 🫂
sorry for your loss Dave
Our deepest condolences to Ruth and Derm’s family on this very tragic loss. We had the pleasure to meet Derm when he was in London with Ruth. He was smart, friendly and funny and an all round great person. His death is a great loss to everyone who knew him. Sincerely
Marie and Tom Fitzsimons
Ruth and family
So sorry to learn of Derms passing. I worked with Derm a number of years and I found him to be a knowledgeable and easy to work with person . He had a fantastic sense of humour and we shared many a laugh together sitting around the management table. He will surely be missed. My condolences.
David, Kim and family, sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family. Your wonderful memories will help you get through this difficult time. ❤️🙏🫂
So very sorry for your loss, I have many fond childhood memories of him from Tunis Court.
Jennifer and family, so sorry to hear about your brother Dermot. I hope the wonderful memories you have brings comfort and peace to you and your family at this difficult time.. God bless.
So very sorry for you loss.
Dave:
So very sorry to learn of your brother’s passing. My condolences to you and your family.
Ruth and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Derm was my boss for eight years and a friend. He was always kind, caring and supportive. Even when I did not work with him, every so often he would call to chat and check in. I am thankful we got to chat just last week. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Di, Derm, David, Kim, Jennifer and Ruth, there are no words that can be written or spoken to take away your pain. My heart is broken for you all at this time. I am so sorry for your loss. .
I’m deeply sorry for your loss Jennifer (and family). Thinking of all of you and sending a giant hug. ❤️🩹
David and all the Chafe family, I am so sorry for your loss. RIP Derm
So sorry for your loss Dave 🙏
Deepest condolences, Dave
So sorry for the loss of your Brother, Dave. Sending condolences to you and all the family at this most difficult time.
Sorry for your loss Dave 🪽
Deepest condolences Dave to you and all the family. God Bless.
So sorry for your families loss
So sorry for your loss Dave ❤️🙏
Sorry for your loss, Dave
Sorry to hear this, please pass my condolences on to Kim.
So very sorry. Condolences to your family.
So very sorry for your loss Dave, Kim, David, Nicholas and family. Sending hugs your way.
I am so sorry for your loss, David, Kim, and family.
Sorry for your loss
So sorry for your loss.
So very sorry for your loss. Please pass along my condolences to Kim, Nick and Dave. Thinking of you all. ❤️
Dave and Kim, I’m so very sorry to see this! It is a wonderful tribute to Kim’s brother. Keep those memories alive and take comfort in them.
Kim sorry for your loss
Sorry for your loss
Sorry for your loss
We are so sorry for your loss. Big hugs to you guys and lots of prayers! 💔
Sorry for your loss
Sorry for you loss. Thinking of you.
So sorry for your loss
The loss of Dermie will be felt forever!
He was the most unassuming, thoughtful, giving person –
there will never be another.
He was a credit to his parents Di and Derm and a precious, loving brother to David, Kim, and Jennifer. He will always be with you!
To Ruth, his loving wife, your loss is beyond any words.
He will be missed by so many forever.
Rest in Peace knowing you were loved by so many ❤️
With love,
Barbara and Frank
so sorry for your loss, a beautifully written tribute and speaks volumes of Derm , thoughts are with you and all the family 💕
Sending our thoughts and prayers to you all! ❤️
Sorry for your loss.
My condolences to you and the family.
I am so sorry for your family’s loss.
My deepest condolences to you and your family
So incredibly sorry for your loss Jennifer.
So Sorry for your loss ❤️
Jennifer, I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending condolences to you and your family.
So sorry for your loss Jennifer
Derm always spoke so highly of his family, especially his parents. My condolences to Ruth, Mr. & Mrs. Chafe, and his extended family.
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all
Oh, Jennifer, I am shocked to read that Derm has passed away. I worked with Derm before he moved to Gander; he was certainly a wonderful human being. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rest in Peace.
Sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family.
So sorry for your loss Condolences to all the family
This is so sad myself and John were really good friends with Derm he was an amazing man in so many ways. My heart goes out to all of the family and Ruth sending my love. May Derm rest in peace.
So very sorry for your unexpected loss Jennifer. Thoughts are with you and your family
So sorry for your loss, stay strong
Sorry for your loss Jennifer. My condolences to you and your family.
Jennifer, so sorry to hear this. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Condolences to the family. Keeping you all in my prayers at this difficult time.
Oh Jennifer, I am so very sorry to hear this news. Jeeze, we aren’t supposed to lose our siblings yet. My heart hurts for you all. 💔
Dave Chafe I am so sorry to hear of Derm’s passing. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Oh Jennifer. I am so sorry to hear of your brother’s passing. My condolences to you and your family. RIP
Oh my God Jennifer so sorry to hear about Derm’s passing My sincere Condolences to You ,His Mom and Dad ,David and Kim and all the rest of He’s Family ,God Bless You all
Condolences to the bereave family. He is such a good landlord!🕊️ May he rest in peace.
Very sorry to hear this.. keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers
I’m so sorry for your loss my friend. Hugs to you all 💜
Sending condolences to all of you on your loss.
My deepest condolences.
May your brother’s memory live on in your heart ❤️
Thinking of you 🙏💕
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all.
We are so sorry for your loss. ❤️
I was deeply saddened to hear about Derm’s passing. Derm was more than just someone I worked for — we shared a real bond. I took great pride in maintaining his properties, and he always treated me with fairness, kindness, and respect. Both Derm and Ruth were very good to me, and I will always be grateful for that.
Derm was a truly good man, and he will be remembered fondly. Please know that my thoughts are with you, Ruth, and the entire family during this very difficult time.
Rest in peace Derm. I will always cherish our friendship. My deepest condolences to the family.
How sad. My sincere condolences to you and your family Jennifer.
Condolences to the family. He will be missed for sure 🙏
Very sad to learn of Derms unexpected passing and we will be thinking of his family as they mourn his loss. My husband and I got engaged in Salvage and Derm gifted us a photo he took overlooking the harbour that is on our wall to this day (with our first anniversary cards inside). I often think of Derm (and his good friend John Roul and hope they are up to their old ways together again)
So saddened to read this.. 😞 Sending my deepest sympathies!
Rest in peace Derm. I will forever treasure the Amelia Earhart LEGO you gave me. Condolences to all his family.
Condolences to the whole family, I count it an honor to have known him and call him friend.
So sad to see this. I enjoyed working with Derm years ago and loved seeing his photos and travels since. Wishing his wife and family comfort.
Rest in peace my friend i will never forget your friendship
To the Chafe family, please accept our sincere condolences on Derm’s sudden passing. We have been neighbours for decades, and our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time..
Yvonne and Jim
Ruth and Family, so sorry for your loss.
Big Guy, thanks for all the support and good times, as a boss and a co-worker! I forever appreciate all the laughs and kindness you shared with me at the town.
Dear Ruth and family,
Receive my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your husband.
Holding you and your loved ones in my prayers,
Sincerely, Enrique
To Ruth and the his family, I am sorry for the loss and untimely death of your partner, brother, and son. He was always so respectful, gracious, giving, gentle and kind to Danica, Elodie, Ingrid and me. The girls and I will miss his playful one-upping of jokes with his little sister; his stories of misadventures with his “arch-nemesis”, Mr. Pine; his Happy Adventure boat rides; and his thoughtful, sometimes successful attempts to find the just right gift for his three nieces. The world will miss him for who he was, the lives he touched, and the effort he made to make things better. He is the example for all of us to live: dream big, give with an open heart, and never expect anything in return.
Dear Aunt Di, Uncle Derm and Family,
I am sending my deepest condolences to you on the loss of Derm. Thinking of you during this difficult time and love you all!
May he rest in peace
Dear Chafe Family, I am sorry to hear of Derm’s passing. I worked with Derm before he moved to Gander; he was certainly a wonderful human being. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rest in Peace.
Dear Ruth and Family,
Annette captured my thoughts very well. Derm was so unique, visionary, passionate, thoughtful and creative. He was bold and unyielding when he needed to be, and a kid at heart as well. There was never a dull moment with Derm, as he was pushing buttons, inspiring you or simply sought to enjoying time together. To this day, I think about Derm, Gander, Newfoundland and all of the people, ideas and experiences Derm introduced me to.
And every single time I pick up my phone or camera to ‘snap’ a photo, without fail, I can either hear him teasing me or teaching me.
I’m in tears right now for how grateful I am for the memories, how sad I am for the time that has gone by, and I missed the opportunity to simply say ‘Thank You’.
If you knew Derm, you could not ever forget him. I certainly have not.
Sending my love that you may find comfort and peace and sending my gratitude for the opportunity to spend the time I did with Derm and all the experiences that provided.
So sorry to hear of Derms passing.My goodness the whole street is in mourning..Please keep him in your thoughts and remember him as the great guy that he. was.Derm I will be thinking of you and Diane and family.
Ruth, words cannot express the shock of hearing of Derm’s sudden departure. I will always cherish having known him and shared experiences together with our Photography Group here in Gander as we explored and took “snaps” of our beautiful Province.
Our sincere condolences to you and rest assured you are in our prayers and thoughts.
Wade & Vonne Janes
Gander
Thoughts and prayers to Jenn and the family. Carry his memories in your heart and he will live through you.
At the instant I met Derm, it was obvious he was extraordinary human. I was late for an appointment with him and Derm waited for me in his truck for hours despite having an option to leave or reschedule. All he kept saying to me was take your time driving over and be careful.
Everyone that I met that knew Derm had great things to say about this wonderful soul.
I wish our friendship lasted longer Derm, you will be greatly missed by everyone that you crossed their path.
Derm was without a doubt larger than life.
Thoughts and prayers with all his loved ones he left behind.
Adewale
Dave and family, my sincere condolences on the loss of Derm. Thinking of you at this extremely difficult time.
Ginny and I wish to pass our condolences to Ruth and families. I knew Derm as most things you said about him . A gentle giant . He was a member of the Gander Photo Group for a few years . He was a wealth of knowledge. It was this past fall he spoke about coming back to the group again . He will be missed 😢 RIP my friend
Ruth, Uncle Derm and Aunt Diane, David, Kim, Jennifer and family, our hearts ache for all of your during this sad and unimaginable time of loss. We will remember Dermie as a gentle soul. May you find moments of peace and comfort in the beautiful memories you shared and knowing Derm’s Love will always be with you. Love and Prayers. Carol Ann and Sandra
Dear Ruth and Family of Dermot, I am thinking of you Ruth and sending my deepest condolences, but also my best intentions for you in this moment. You are in my thoughts, with love and peace, Cathy
So very sorry to hear about Derm’s passing. He was a very kind man and a great friend to my dad
Jen and family
So sorry for the loss of your loved one. Keep his memories close as you go through this troubling time. Hugs to you all 💜
Tina Croucher
Ruth & Family,
Derm will always hold a very special place in my heart. His belief in me and my ability to stretch further in my career, changed my life. Working and travelling with him during our time together as the Economic Development team for the Town of Gander, were some of the best years of my life and I will always cherish them. He was indeed a very special man who although would tease you relentlessly, would also encourage and push you to be the best you could be. A life well lived, he will be forever remembered and forever missed. May your heart and soul find peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Dear Ruth and family,
Although I never had the chance to meet Derm, the way Ruth spoke about him brought him vividly to life. Stories of their trips to gems in Newfoundland, of places like Happy Adventure, and of Derm’s remarkable ability to find solutions to just about anything around Gander, made it clear that he was a deeply capable, generous, and grounding presence. My heartfelt thoughts to your family in this time.
Benjamin
Derm’s love of photography is what I remember most. With a small group of enthusiasts we were part of the beginning of the Gander Photography Group which still carries on today. He will be sorely missed by so many. Rest in Peace my friend.
Ruth and Family,
So sorry to hear of Dean’s sudden passing. I worked with Derm for several years and certainly enjoyed listening to his stories and hearing about the latest ideas that he was pursuing. Please accept Gail and my condolences at this difficult time.
Jake
Memories of Derm will always bring a smile to my face. My favorite boss of all time who taunted me endlessly! But what fun we had for awhile. I am forever grateful for having known him and can only imagine how much you will all miss him. Ruth, Derm’s family and inlaws, wishing you strength in the days ahead. Sincere condolences to you all.
I am so deeply sorry for the loss of Derm. There are no words for a loss so sudden, so unfathomable, and so heartbreaking. Sending so much love to each of you.
I have so many happy childhood memories visiting and “listening to the adults” chat and recall stories together, and Dermie was always one to have everyone in stitches with his quick wit and impeccable timing. He was so charismatic and smart, and he also happened to be incredibly kind, genuine, and generous. His warm voice would fill a room. Dermie would do anything for his family and they utterly adore him and always will. My heart breaks for your loss.
With so much love,
Laura Cheeseman and James Mortlock
Derm was truly one of a kind. I will always treasure our years of friendship, the banter, and the laughs. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. My heartfelt condolences to Ruth and the entire family.