ANDERSON _Surrounded by all his family, Robert Dean Anderson, 43, of Marengo, Saskatchewan, peacefully passed away on December 31, 2003 at the Kindersley Union Hospital. Diagnosed with cancer, Dean fought with all his might, enduring grueling treatments and hospitalizations in hope of a cure. When it became clear that a cure was not to be, Dean accepted the news with dignity and strength. His attention focused on his family, especially on preparing them for the future without him. On his journey towards death, Dean worked very hard to make the process easier on all the people in his life. Dean was patient, cheerful, uncomplaining and polite to the end, finishing his life as he had lived it. Born March 1, 1960, to Garry and Dorothy (Golightly) Anderson, Dean grew up on the family farm at Marengo. As a young boy Dean enjoyed playing all sports, but especially hockey and baseball. As a young adult he was especially proud of being on the same baseball team as his father and brother because as Dean wrote in his family history, "Baseball in our family was almost as important as breathing." Dean attended school in Marengo and upon his graduation, he worked for his Grandpa Jack Anderson on the family farm. A couple of winters spent in Calgary working at various jobs intensified Dean's goal to be a farmer. Dean was proud to be the fourth generation of the Anderson family to farm in the area. Dean loved farming and often commented on how lucky he felt to be able to earn a living doing something he enjoyed so much. Dean's partner and best friend throughout his adult years was his beloved wife, Jo-Anne Gerein. Dean and JoAnne were married June 27, 1981 in Kindersley. Three children were born to them, Amy in 1982, Devone in 1984 and Holly in 1988. Dean was an engaged and enthusiastic parent, attending sports events, dance recitals and school activities. He was so proud of his children, not only of their accomplishments but of how they were becoming fine adults. This past fall, when it became obvious that Dean's health would not permit him to harvest their crops, the community stepped up and organized a harvest bee. This was one of the highlights of Dean's life and he was grateful beyond words for the generosity and warmth shown him and his family. It was proof once more to him that he lived in a wonderful community. Dean was a proud member of the Marengo community and was keenly interested in the history of the area. He honored and respected the pioneer members of the community that came before him and appreciated the opportunity to help with the gathering of the stories for the Marengo history book, "The Wind Still Blows". There were three things that Dean was passionate about in his life. He loved his wife, JoAnne, his children and his family above all. He loved being a farmer. He loved baseball and he was the ultimate New York Yankee fan. Dean was predeceased by his grandparents, Jack and Mayme Anderson, Bill and Grace Golightly; his father-in-law, Walter Gerein; and his uncle, Gordie Swanson. Survivors are his wife, Jo-Anne; his daughter, Amy of Edson, Alberta; son, Devone of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and daughter, Holly of Marengo; his parents, Garry and Dorothy Anderson; sisters, Cindy (Ron), Cathy (Scott); and brother, Darren (Sherry); mother-in-law, Marcella Gerein; and sisters-in-law, Marilyn (Rob) and Adele (Keddy); brothers-in-law, Glen (Therese), Mark ( Tonya), Reg, Pat (Kim), Murray (Donna) and Neil (Janna); and numerous nieces and nephews. Prayers were held at 7:00 p.m. Monday, January 5, 2004 and the funeral Mass was celebrated by Father Andrew Wychucki at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2004 at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Kindersley. The Urnbearer was Donna Gerein. Honorary Urnbearers were Ian Coutts, Garnet Holmes, Craig Stasiuk, Herman Vold, John Faubert and Jim Holmes. The eulogy was given by Pat Gerein. Ushers were Murray Faubert, Richard Crump, Jerry Sinclair and Grant Holmes. Interment followed at Marengo Cemetery. Kindersley Community Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made exclusively to the Kindersley Palliative Care Unit, Kindersley Union Hospital.