THE DEATH OF MR NOBLE DEAN
Renfrew’s Longest-Time Merchant
Renfrew Mercury November 6, 1914
In a portion of last week’s issue there was brief note of the almost sudden death of Mr. Noble Dean. Of late his friend’s and the acquaintances who met him on the street from day to day could see the he was visibly failing in health, and to his close friends he himself expressed the feeling that he was going downhill. The week previous to his demise he had taken a tum for the worse and had not been at the store for some days; though nothing serious was anticipated; but on Thursday evening, October 29th, death came to him as he was sitting in his chair; his son William being in conversation with him at the time.
Mr. Dean was Renfrew’s oldest merchant, actively engaged up to the time of his death, being practically in continuous business here since 1873. He was born in Fitzroy in 1834, son of the late Wm. Dean, a farmer of that township. As he came to manhood he left the farm and sewed a mercantile apprenticeship in Pakenham, in that day one of the busy places in the Ottawa Valley. He came to Renfrew in 1872 and after a year as a clerk, part of the time with the late James Tierney and part with the late R.C. Mills, he went into business as a member of the firm Dean & Matthews. Later, this partnership was dissolved, and then for some years he conducted business alone; then selling out to Blair & Martin. Later on, the firm of Dean and Sibary was formed; then again there was a period of business under his own name until a few years ago, when his son William became of business years, and the firm of Dean & Son came into existence.
Mr. Dean might almost be described as a born merchant; his business, always substantial, and prosperous, being built up mostly on his own personality. He looked after his customers as personal friends and gave them those kindly attentions which make for permanent business relationships. He was interested in politics; but had no inclination for public duties; his business and his home being the centres around which his thoughts and activities almost entirely radiated.
The funeral took place from his home on Quarry street on Sunday afternoon; Rev.E.B. Horne, assisted by Rev. W.M.H. Quartermaine, conducting the services there and at the grave.
The pallbearers were Dr. Murphy, and Messrs. I.E. Pedlow, John Devine, W.C. Carruth, Lawrence Martin and John B. McLaren. Besides a large gathering of citizens there was a large representation of country people from sections of the county wide apart; and Messrs. W.D. Carmichael of George Robinson’s, Kingston; John Carroll of the firm of Mackay, a representative of that Montreal concern, and Mr. Joseph Tucker of the Ault firm, Ottawa; representing the wholesale mercantile community.
There was a wealth of floral memorials; two vehicles being required to carry them. The procession of carriages was one of the longest seen here in recent years.