Fireman, Fire Station 105-A
Deceased:
September 19, 2018
Appointed:
01/16/1965
Pensioned:
08/16/1894 – FS 105A
Services:
PRIVATE
Donations:
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund
PO BOX 41903
Los Angeles, CA 90041
Karen Stewart says
I first met “Big D” in 1969 as a little kid, right after my dad James L Stewart, got his Auto Fireman promotion and transferred to Station 61-A. Deane and my dad became fast friends and our families became close as well, often camping in various places together, including Death Valley and at Park Moabi on the Colorado River. Some of my earliest and favorite childhood memories were of Deane leading all us kids on our annual “Snipe Hunt” at The River, or him forever holding me over his towering frame and throwing me in the pool (or river…I deserved it!).
So many great times we shared. The one thing I do remember, is Dad’s and Deane’s close friendship and love for one another as brothers, right through until the day Dad died from Leukemia/pneumonia on October 14th, 1973 (also out of Station 105-B shift). His wife, Karin, a lovely woman, her wonderful parents Elisabeth and Frank who sometimes joined us camping, and their two sons Eric and Kirk (who were my “buddy/playmates” whenever we got together), were all part of the “Wickstrom Fun” we knew back then. I know I can speak for my sister Terre and my mom Barbara, we are very saddened to hear this news and wish our heartfelt condolences and prayers to Karin, Eric, Kirk and their families. We lost a good one. RIP Deane, and say hi to Jim (Dad) for us. – Karen Stewart, Tempe, AZ
Eric says
Thanks for the note Karen, I remember camping with you guys also…Hope all is well!!
Lauren "Rosie" deRosier says
I was honored to have been exposed to Deane in 1981… as an ankle biting wet nosed rookie paramedic… all of which irritated the “gentle” giant. It took mere minutes to realize he was a force of nature… and an endless source of amusement. One of my favorite pastimes was stirring Deane up JUST BEFORE Charlie Jennings would head for the kitchen for a “peaceful” cup of morning joe. The stories are many, before and after my meeting him… like the “Punk Rocker” with a RAINBOW MOHAWK that roller skated past FS105… If you knew Deane, you can probably guess the rest. All joking aside, he was (under the gruff exterior) a very good man, who taught me many valuable life lessons, and he will be missed. RIP Deane.
Mike Bowers says
As a classmate of Deans, I recall catching him in the life net.
His head was on the rim and his feet were almost hanging off the other side.
RIP Dean.
Mike Littleton says
I first met Dean in 1972 when I transferred into old F.S.61. I was assigned to the Truck and was working for Capt. Bob Furr. Dean was assigned to the Truck too along with another monster: Bob McChesney. Capt. I learned a lot about truck work from those guys before I was promoted to Auto Fireman a year later. I had the opportunity to work with Dean again a number of years later when I was assigned to F.S.105 on a different shift. Dean hadn’t changed a bit, which was somewhat comforting during emergency operations and a little scary during routing daily operations.
Dean and his family lived in Thousand Oaks for many years, so I would see him periodically at cement pours or other firemen events. He was always fun to be around and a great friend to have.
Rest in Peace, my friend.