John Milton Dean

John M. Dean, CD, LLB
8 July 1942 to 15 June 2026

Passed away peacefully on June 15th, 2026, at the age of 83. He is missed and survived by his university sweetheart and wife of 58 years Carolyn (nee Smith), son John (Holly), son Rob (Brenda), and grandchildren Lauren and Cole. He also shared a special bond with Sasha, Luna and Bailey (Rob and Brenda’s fur babies). He was predeceased by parents Jack and Marjorie and younger brother Doug.

Raised in Hamilton, he attended McMaster University where his military interests lead him to join the Canadian Officer Training Corps (COTC) program as a Second Lieutenant. Graduating in the top three of his class, he was invited to serve in Lahr Germany for four months with the British Army. After returning from Germany, he continued his service with the Canadian Armed Forces serving in the Militia with the 8th Field Regiment, 11th Field Regiment and 7th Toronto Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery. Earning the rank of Captain, he served as Forward Observation Officer and Battery Captain. He continued his post secondary education, graduating from Osgoode Hall in 1967 with a Bachelor of Laws. He worked briefly for Ross and Robinson Law Firm in Hamilton before moving into Corporate Law with IBM Canada where he worked for 37 years serving as their Senior Counsel. He was a Past President of the Toronto Board of Trade having served there as representative for IBM Canada.

John was actively involved in Freemasonry, joining St. Aidan’s Lodge # 567 in Scarborough, Ontario in June 1986. He was installed as Master of St. Aidan’s Lodge in 1993 and appointed as a Grand Steward earning the title of Very Worshipful Brother.

Beyond his accomplishments, he will be remembered for his sharp wit, love of a good time, and his ability to turn any gathering into a lively event. He enjoyed good company, spirited conversation, and never shied away from a loud debate. He had a real zest for life that made him unforgettable to those who knew him well.

John treasured time spent at the cottage sunning on the deck or taking the boat out for a tour of Lake Chandos. He was often seen wearing his “Boat-a-saurus” tee-shirt until one day it wound up in the rag bin when his beloved “Muff” decided it was completely worn out. He enjoyed playing squash and sitting at the piano, singing in the Church Choir, and enthusiastically following sports. Family and friends will smile when remembering that no sporting event was ever quietly observed. Each game came with his passionate commentary and the occasional unmistakable outburst. He enjoyed theatrical plays at the Barn in Brighton, or in Toronto seeing variety of performances like Cats, and Phantom of the Opera. John enjoyed spending three weeks each winter in Cancun, Mexico at the Royal Sands which allowed him to escape his task of snow blowing the driveway after each storm. He enjoyed a good single malt scotch, family traditions, entertaining, and spirited conversations.

At John’s request, Cremation has already taken place. A Celebration of Life will take place at Mount Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, 21 Garrard Road, Whitby Ontario on Saturday, July 25, 2026. A Masonic Memorial Service, open to the public will begin at 2:30 p.m. with the Celebration of Life to commence at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be considered to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Alzheimer’s Society (Dementia) or Toronto Artillery Foundation.