Remembering Dean Rivett

Dean Rivett was a man of the woods, a creator of art, and a pillar of strength for those who loved him. On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Dean passed away, leaving behind a legacy defined by his observant nature, his hardworking hands, and a life lived deeply in tune with the natural world.

A Life Shaped by the Great Outdoors

Dean’s journey began with a natural curiosity that often led him "the long way home" from school. While his detour-filled walks occasionally earned him a spot in the kitchen helping his mother, those moments shaped him into an exceptional cook—a skill his wife, Judy, would come to cherish deeply. From his mother, he inherited a delicate artistic touch; from his father, he learned the grit and ingenuity of a true craftsman. These skills famously allowed him to fix a remote camp generator when no one else could, earning him the gratitude of the camp cook and many secret nightly fishing trips.

Dean dedicated his professional life to the protection of the Canadian wilderness. A graduate of Sir Sandford Fleming (Forestry) and Anderson Collegiate, he served with distinction as a Conservation Officer and a Firefighter. His 25 years of service were honored by the Ontario Civil Service Quarter Century Club. Even in retirement, he remained a maker, mastering the craft of traditional rope making to found Classic Rope Fenders.

Faithful Companions and Shared Passions

Dean was never truly alone in the bush. He had loyal hunting partners, Jocko, his Golden Retriever, and Odie, his Beagle. They shared Dean’s deep passion for the hunt and the quiet of the forest. In his later years, he took great joy in being a "dog-grandpa" to Dominic the Dachshund, with whom he shared a very special and enthusiastic passion for good food and was Dean's favourite “taste tester” . Dean's cooking did not disappoint.

Grit, Grace, and the "Long Way Home"

Whether he was on the wrestling mat in high school or spending time in the penalty box for the Lindsay Lunkers, Dean played hard. He was at home in the quiet of a hunting blind, the rhythm of a ski trail, or the patient stillness of a fishing hole. His interests were as vast as the forest, ranging from the study of herbal medicine and indigenous history to the meticulous art of wildlife photography and baking.

A Story of Love

Dean’s greatest adventure began on May 23, 1997, at the Bracebridge Legion, where he met Judy Semple. Their life together truly took root under unexpected circumstances; after a workplace injury left Dean in a cast, Judy stepped in to care for him. As Judy often jokes, it was only because he couldn’t run fast enough that she was able to catch him, and they have been together ever since. Dean’s heart grew even larger when he became a father to Stacy, who later officially adopted him as her dad.

Family and Legacy

Dean was a beloved brother to Ted (Karen), Marvyn (Verla), Vern (Val), and his "beautiful baby sister" Nancy (Vern). He now joins his brother Keith, who left us far too soon. He was a proud uncle to Laura, Jackie, Hannah, Sarah, Andrew, Julie, James, and Michelle.

In January 2019, Dean began a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. Even as the illness progressed, the essence of the man who loved the smell of pine and the taste of a home-cooked meal remained.

In Memory of Dean

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Salvation Army Gravenhurst or the Alzheimer Society of Muskoka.

Special Thanks

The family wishes to thank the staff at Muskoka Shores for the wonderful care that Dean has received during his time there for the last 18 months. Thank you for welcoming him in with open arms. The level of care, compassion, love  and support will never be forgotten.