Randilyn Dean

Randilyn Dean

Firefighter leaves a legacy of strength
By Christina Lent

The Beaverton Valley Times, Sep 18, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue firefighter Randi Dean was honored by her fellow firefighters at a memorial service at Beaverton Foursquare Church Tuesday. Dean died of breast cancer Sept. 10.
Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue Firefighter Randilyn Kae Dean will be remembered for her irrepressibly positive spirit and her million-watt smile that instantly gave comfort and sent the message that everything was under control.

Even when battling breast cancer, the 36-year-old St. Johns resident embraced life with passion, courage, boundless energy and strength.

Her brothers and sisters in arms gathered together to honor and celebrate Dean’s life Tuesday during a memorial service at Beaverton Foursquare Church.

Randi Dean died Sept. 10 after a long battle with cancer.

She is survived by her partner Krista Hornish and parents Dana and Carol Dean.

To those who knew her, Randi Dean was a constant source of inspiration.

“Randi lived life how she wanted to live life,” said Battalion Chief Allen Kennedy. “If she wanted to do something, she would do it.

“It is hard to let go of that person who transcends all the qualities we all strive for in our own lives.”

Angela Black, Dean’s best friend from Utah, agreed.

“Randi was the most amazing person I’ve ever known,” Black said. “She had so much passion for life and put all of herself into everything she did from the biggest to smallest things.

“When you knew Randi, you wanted to be a better person. She believed how you live your life and conduct yourself is a choice. Randi made that choice every moment she lived to be the best person she could be. That’s the legacy she will leave.”

Up for any challenge
Dean was born June 26, 1972, in Driggs, Idaho.

She earned an associate’s degree from Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, before transferring to Bringham Young University in Utah.

It was while studying criminal justice at BYU that she experienced a life-changing moment during a family medical emergency that would alter her career path.

Wanting to be prepared for any future medical emergency, she enrolled in an EMT class at a community college that led her to enter the Fire Academy at Utah Valley State College.

“When she decided to become a firefighter, she was a cross country runner and weighed between 115 to 120 pounds,” Black recalled.

An instructor tossed down a gauntlet by telling her that she couldn’t do what would be expected of her as a firefighter, she added.

“That’s all it takes – no one tells Randi that she can’t do something,” Black said. “She’s relentless when given a challenge.

“She proved that she could pull her weight in the fire house.”

Dean graduated at the top of her class, acing both her written and physical tests as well as her interviews.

“She was one of five first hires out of her 1,200 class,” Black said.

Dean served as a firefighter with Salt Lake County Fire for four years before joining Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue in 2000.

Fire Chief Jeff Johnson said Dean was a model firefighter and example for everyone in the agency.

“Randi truly loved coming to work,” Johnson said. “She taught others to try harder, be more positive, care more deeply and show compassion to others.”

Dean served four years with King City Station 35 and the last two years with West Hills Station 60, earning a reputation as a talented paramedic and engineer/apparatus operator.

Grace in the face of adversity
In 2001, Dean developed breast cancer. Her fellow firefighters rallied and donated a year’s worth of salary so that she could focus on her health.

Johnson remembers calling her when he first learned the news.

“She told me, ‘I’m gonna beat this,’” Johnson said. “She kept that positive attitude every step of the way.”

After that year off, Dean returned to work healthier and stronger. At the age of 35, Dean’s cancer returned to her chest before spreading to her brain.

Through it all, she amazed her friends and loved ones with her champion spirit.

“She never gave up, she never quit,” said Chaplain Mike Ruptak.

“She inspired us all,” added Rocky Hanes, president of Tualatin Valley Firefighters Union Local 1660. “She showed us that happiness can still be found even in the face of adversity.”

Dean was proud to be a firefighter and was a devoted friend.

A slideshow during her memorial service revealed some of her other passions – from outdoor adventures with her partner Krista to surfing, hiking, rock climbing, backpacking, kayaking and cycling.

With each snapshot, Dean’s joy brightened the screen. The captured photographic memories revealed that she loved deeply, played hard, laughed often, was up for any challenge and was not afraid to operate heavy equipment.

“We all feel cheated that she was taken so young,” Kennedy said. And though she will be greatly missed, “the incredible light of her beauty, both internally and externally, will never be extinguished in our lives.”

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