Page 26 - R.E.DEAN MEMORIAL BOOK

A Tribute to my Friend & Mentor

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven, a time to be born,
and a time to die. Ecc. 3:1
In 1981, not long after being employed by the Ministry of National
Security – Department of Rehabilitative/Welfare Services, I was
redeployed to work at the Simpson Penn School for Boys formerly
the Boys’ Industrial School. I served in the capacity of Probation
Officer. That was when I officially met Mr. R. E. Dean, who served
as Superintendent. Mr. Dean warmly welcomed me to the school.
I immediately saw his love for the boys and his passion for his job
as Superintendent.
Mr. Dean’s desire was to improve every area of the school; therefore, he encouraged me and
eagerly supported every activity or program that I organized for the betterment and rehabilita-
tion of the boys. At the end of every careers day, summer program or workshop, just to name
a few, he always congratulated me for a job well done. On one occasion, Mr. Dean gave me a
copy of a letter that he had sent to my supervisor at the Department of Rehabilitative/Welfare
Services commending me and recommending that I be promoted for my outstanding work.
I have never forgotten this gesture because people tend to never see the good that you do.
As a result of his letter, I was given an accelerated increment.

Every Monday morning Mr. Dean as well as the other office staff members would eagerly await
my arrival to see what I had baked on the weekend. One Monday, I informed them that I didn’t
bring any cake for them because the cake had fallen, we bursted into laughter when Mr. Dean
replied “Oh I love dumb cake.” I enjoy baking sweets; hence if anyone express love for my
baking (especially my dumb cake) we would actually become real good friends.
In 1984, when I was about to leave the Boys School to pursue a Masters Degree, Mr. Dean
organized a surprise farewell party for me. My gifts from Superintendent and staff were
awesome. When I graduated from University, I asked to be redeployed to the Boy’s school.
We maintained a wonderful family like atmosphere. Mr. Dean became a friend to my husband
Rodney and our children. Our friendship continued even after I was transferred back to the
Ministry.

Whenever Rodney and I visited Mr. Dean and his wife Iris, they were always very happy to see
us. By this time they were addicted to my banana bread. We would laugh and talk about the
good old days when we worked at the Boys school, at length. Rodney and I visited Mr and
Mrs. Dean during the latter part of February 2020. We were warmly welcomed as usual.
At the end of our visit, we promised to return soon, with a loaf of banana bread. Although we
realized that Mr. Dean’s health had deteriorated since our previous visit, we had no idea that
would have been the last time that we would see him alive.
So although my good friend and mentor has gone to be with his Lord and Master, I’ll always
remember his infectious smile, and superior style of leadership as well as his support for
everything good.
Goodbye my friend, until we meet again.

Mrs. Andrea Darling-Eve

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