Dean Anderson Obituary

Dean Brian Anderson
December 14, 1963 -
September 15, 2023
Dean Brian Anderson, 59, departed this life peacefully September 15, 2023, surrounded by family after a 4-year courageous battle with cancer. Dean was born in San Francisco to Garland and Dorothy Shaffer Anderson. At three months of age, the family moved to Sebastopol where Dean spent most of his life. He graduated from Analy High School, Santa Rosa Junior College and Long Beach State University. He completed his paramedic education at Skyline College in 1988.

Dean worked in Sonoma County Emergency Medical Services for over 40 years. He began his career as a paramedic working for Cadles Ambulance in 1984. Eventually he was hired by Sonoma Life Support (AMR) working as a street paramedic, manager and finally promoted to Senior Regional Director of Northern California. He also worked for both REACH air ambulance and Sonoma County Sheriff Henry-1. In addition, he was instrumental in helping to start the paramedic program at SRJC where he was an instructor for many years. In 1997 he received the Star of Life which is a national recognition from the American Ambulance Association. Over the years, Dean worked diligently to improve the quality of emergency services in Sonoma County and is remembered by many for his strong work ethic and commitment to ensuring the highest level of pre-hospital care to the citizens of Sonoma County. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues and friends in EMS.

Dean is survived by his husband David Robinson, daughter Lindsey, former wife and long-time friend Linda Vesco Anderson, brother Keith (Jennifer) and nieces Rachael, Heather, Samantha and their families. Dean enjoyed family life with all its joys and tribulations and in later years loved travel and adventures with his posse of friends. His love for family and friends is deeply felt and his memory will live on.

A celebration of life is planned Saturday, November 4, 11 a.m. at the Sara Lee and Richard's Barn at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. Please respond to Evite if planning to attend. http://evite.me/kCVfMCPvXv

The family kindly requests that you consider making a contribution to either the GMR Foundation/EAP (Donate to GMR Foundation) or the John L McDonald MD Paramedic Education Scholarship Fund at SRJC (Donate to SRJC Donation (santarosa.edu). www.pleasanthillsmemorialpark.com/obituary/dean-anderson