Memories of Dean Henry Rasmussen

In memory of

Dean Henry Rasmussen

Richmond, VA

1966 - May 4, 2023

Help keep everyone in the know by sharing this memorial website.

Share

Story

Condolence

Year (Optional)

Location (Optional)

Caption

YouTube/Facebook/Vimeo Link

Caption

Who is in this photo?

Or start with a template for inspiration

About you

What was your relationship to Dean?

Cancel

By posting this memory, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Notice.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

TYPEO NEGATIVE

Oh well

Read More Read Less

Tom Jamerson

I was very saddened when I learned that Dean Rasmussen passed away last week.

I met Dean in August 1984 as we both began our studies at VCU and each were assigned rooms on the 13th floor of Rhodes Hall. We hit it off as friends very quickly and soon after we met, Dean and my first roommate switched rooms. Dean and I remained roommates for my entire time at VCU - one year in Rhodes Hall and the other three at 1000 Park Avenue in the Fan. We were in several bands together over those VCU years, including Near East, Glory Hole, and The Natural Modesty of Girls. He could destroy a bass!!

Dean was a presence. He earned his pseudonym, "The King", honestly because he was a presence physically and spiritually. You wanted him around if trouble was brewing, you wanted him around if philosophy was being discussed, and you wanted him around when new music was to be enjoyed. Dean was a guy you just "wanted around" because he was so genuine.

He loved the Cowboys and he loved professional wrestling. But more than anything he loved his family - he spoke so much of his Mom and "A'int Shelby" that I felt like they were part of my family. I am saddened for his wife and children, his extended family, and the voluminous friends that he leaves behind and my heartfelt condolences go out to each of them.

Godspeed my friend.

Read More Read Less

Robin Rasmussen Oshier

Shane Meeks

I never had the good fortune to meet Dean, but I was, and remain, a fan of his work. I discovered The Death Valley Driver Video Review and have been reading it for over 20 years now, mostly so I could read Dean's hilarious, profane, insightful prose. He will be missed by me and by many others around the world. From his words, I know how ferociously he loved his family and they, and the friends who knew him well, have my profoundest sympathies.

Read More Read Less

Robin Rasmussen Oshier

Share your sympathy. Send flowers from a local florist to Dean's family or funeral.

Browse sympathy flowers

Mo Detrick

Shared a heart

Robin Rasmussen Oshier

Mike Woods

Shared a heart

Donny Shattuck

Robin Rasmussen Oshier

Comments:

Mike Woods

I first met Dean as my friend Andrew and I were out seeking live music in Richmond. We popped into Whistlers and waited for the music. On the menu that night would be Flannel (I think we were there to see The Trouble With Larry.) When Flannel stepped up to  the stage I noticed the Cowboys star on Deans bass, and Hunters knock off Ibanez Iceman (which I bought from him and it never stayed in tune for me either!) I remember talking to Dean after the show and wondering how I never crossed paths with him before. He was a person I sought when filling ranks of my tribe. Andrew and I saw Flannel every show we could and later I believe Andrew’s band played shows with Flannel. He was kind, funny, and memorable. Years after VCU, when I had a family of my own I sought folks from those days to reconnect with. Even among fraternity brothers, rugby teammates, and classmates, he was one of the first people I looked for. I felt kind of weird at first cause I was thinking what if he doesn’t even remember me. I only knew him as a fan at his shows. He was as I remembered him exuberant and kind. I don’t think he forgot anyone he met as much we could never forget him. Peace

I first met Dean as my friend Andrew and I were out seeking live music in Richmond. We popped into Whistlers... Read more I first met Dean as my friend Andrew and I were out seeking live music in Richmond. We popped into Whistlers and waited for the... Read more I first met Dean as my friend Andrew and I were out... Read more

Please consider a donation to any cause of your choice.

Learn more & give

Donny Shattuck

1986, Hanover Avenue, Richmond, VA, USA

The King was a man among men and was fearless, spontaneous, creative, and funnier than anyone else you know. This is who should get a statue on Monument Avenue. Rest well, big guy.

Read More Read Less