Stephen Sanders Duckels Sr.

Stephen Sanders Duckels Sr., devoted husband, father, grandfather, and respected Sacramento, CA, businessman, passed away at the age of 84, on October 14, 2024, in Carmichael, CA.

Stephen was born prematurely on October 6, 1940, in Santa Monica, CA, to parents Neil W. and Winifred B. Duckels.

He was the second of three boys for Neil and Winifred. He spent the first 15 years of his life in Reseda, CA, where his father farmed and brokered hay. Growing up on a hay ranch with childhood asthma, Stephen developed the grit and wit to succeed in life.

In 1956, his family left Reseda, CA, for the Duckels Ranch in Browns Valley, CA, where he attended Marysville High School for two years before graduating in 1958.

In 1959, while attending Yuba College, Stephen met the love of his life, Barbara Hather (maiden name). Together, Stephen and Barbara continued their education at the University of Oregon, graduating in 1964, and marrying later that year.

After college, Stephen went to work for the Bank of California, where he developed a strong acumen for business. In 1975, he left the bank after opening Gilhooley's Irish Pub in downtown Sacramento, CA.

Working as a team, the pub proved to be a success for Stephen and Barbara for over 25 years before retiring. In addition to the pub, they also established 7th & R Parking from land they purchased from the railroad in 1980.

For over five decades Stephen was a member of the invitation only Los Flojos Camp, of the Rancheros Vistadores riding club, where he served as Camp Captain from 1997-1999, and twice won their All-Around Trap Shooting Championship.

He also belonged to the Sutter Club in Sacramento, CA, for several years and Phi Kappa Psi fraternity while attending the University of Oregon.

Stephen had a passion for backpacking and horse packing in the high country, making several expeditions with family and friends to Bigelow Lake in the Yosemite National Forest, where he loved to fish and enjoy a stiff scotch mixed with ice from surrounding glaciers.

He was an avid hunter, connoisseur of wild game and outdoor enthusiast. He enjoyed for many years running cattle on the family ranch in Browns Valley, CA, and traveling with Barbara to several parts of the world. His sense of humor and compassion for others made him a prince of a man.

Stephen was preceded in death by his parents, Neil Wood Duckels and Winifred B. Duckels; and older brother, Neil Woodson Duckels.

Stephen is survived by his wife, of 60 years, Barbara A. Duckels; younger brother, Thomas S. Duckels; sons, Stephen S. Duckels (Christine), and Christopher W. Duckels; two beloved grandchildren, Catherine and Thomas. He is also survived by his nephew, Neil W. Duckels.

A private family service will be held. Arrangements are under the direction of Lipp and Sullivan.