Dean Brian Anderson

Linda’s Thoughts

Dean was born in San Francisco, but arriving in Sonoma County at the young age of 3 months, he has always considered himself a Sonoma County native. He attended elementary through high school in Sebastopol. He was active in 4H. He pursued a degree in Criminal Justice at Santa Rosa Junior College, but discovered his true passion was being the medical help. He completed his EMT certification at the JC in the early 80’s and the rest is history. He worked as an EMT until it was time to become a paramedic in 1988 and worked in almost all phases of pre-hospital care. He continued to work throughout his battle with cancer and remained passionate about EMS.

Dean married Linda Vesco in 1990 and they welcomed their adopted daughter Lindsey in 1991. When not working he enjoyed time on the “farm” raising sheep and a steer or two. He was a great family man, spending as much time as he could with us and his parents. We had many memorable vacations, those that stood out were Yellowstone, and Europe spending time with Linda’s family. Dean battled his first cancer in his late twenties. Remarkably, he did not miss work in spite of chemo and radiation. His co-workers developed a phone tree in case he was too sick, they would step in for him without losing pay. He was in remission for more than 25 years. Once Dean received his diagnosis in 2019, he fought hard and long. He suffered chemo, their side effects and radiation valiantly without much complaint.

Dave’s Thoughts

Dean married Dave Robinson in 2020 via a Zoom ceremony during the COVID-19 lockdown with Linda as their witness. They met in 2017 in the aftermath of the devastating Tubbs fire, both talking about their roles to keep people safe and bring them back to normal care as quickly as possible. When not working in their individual jobs, they enjoyed concerts, hiking, camping and making beer. In the last three years of Dean’s life, they worked to check off as many bucket-list items as possible with trips to Mexico, Hawaii, Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora. While they didn’t finish the list, they made a really good dent.

As written by his colleagues at AMR/Sonoma Life Support

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Dean Anderson. Dean had been battling lung cancer since December, 2019 and passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. There are no words that can capture how much he will be missed.

Dean grew up in Sebastopol and attended Santa Rosa Junior College. His more than 40 year career in EMS began as a volunteer with the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Unit. After becoming a paramedic Dean explored specialties as a flight paramedic with REACH and Sonoma County Sheriff’s helicopter unit. During his time with AMR/Sonoma Life Support he ascended through the ranks to his most recent role as senior Regional Director for Northern California.

Through his work teaching at SRJC, and leadership at SLS, REDCOM, REACH and CALSTAR he has had an immeasurable impact on the EMS system we know which has made a difference in countless people’s lives. Today we truly work in the house that Dean built.