William "Dewey" Sceales

1932 - 2017

William "Dewey" Sceales
December 12, 1932 - September 14, 2017

Dewey Sceales passed peacefully of natural causes on September 14, 2017, surrounded by his children and in the comfort of his home. He was born in Bakersfield, California on December 12, 1932 during one of the largest snowstorms in Bakersfield's history.

A native of Kern County, Dewey attended Longfellow Elementary, Washington Jr. High, and East Bakersfield High School where he earned a football and track scholarship to the University of Oregon. He never forgot the football game in 1949, where as a lineman for the Blades, they beat the Drillers for the first time. He attended USC and UO and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in architecture and allied arts from the University of Oregon in 1957.

Dewey's career began as a young man and his first job was at Rufener's Drug Store. He also worked as an apprentice carpenter during the summer months. His professional career included Assistant Planner for Kern County (1957-1959), Planning Director for the City of Tulare (1959-1963), and Planning Director for the City of Bakersfield (1963-1987). He was appointed to the State of California Planning Advisory Committee by Ronald Reagan in 1967.

Dewey was passionate about the great outdoors especially backpacking and trout fishing in the Sierras; fly fishing in Northern California, Alaska, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana; hunting in Montana and Mexico, and camping at Green Creek in Toiyabe National Forest and Salt Point State Park. Dewey was known for his love of cooking for his family and friends, all of whom enjoyed his culinary skills, especially his many bean and fish recipes. He enjoyed years of participating with his friends in their annual Fish & Game Feed. He enjoyed watching sports and was a life long fan of the Oregon Ducks, San Francisco Giants and 49ers.

Dewey was predeceased by his parents, Duel and Fern Sceales; brother Dennis Sceales; and former spouse Karen Stevenson Sceales.

Dewey is survived by children Cindy (David) Luera, Cheryl Harvey (Al Blumhoefer), Kerensa Sceales Patel, Conrad (Norma) Sceales, and son-in-law Abhi Patel; grandchildren Chris (Loretta) LaMedica, Justin (Audra) Harvey, Carly Hatfield, Bridget Luera, and Akash Patel; 12 great grandchildren; sister Lori Sceales (Deborah Pines); 2 nieces and their families; many friends including life long friends, Clyde "Cookie" Barbeau, Jim Riley, and Don Galey.

The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to Trevor D. Williams, PA, and Hoffmann Hospice with special thanks to Leslie, Elena, and Mona for the care provided to our father.

At our father's request, no services will be held and his final resting place will be in the Sierra mountains. We love and miss him dearly and are comforted by our memories of all the great times we shared. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dewey's name to The Nature Conservancy or California Trout.