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William Rouff Dolan

1912 - 2009

BORN

1912

DIED

2009

About

Arvin High School University of California| Berkeley

William Dolan Obituary

William Rouff Dolan 1912 - 2009 Viewing is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2009, at Greenlawn Mortuary, 3700 River Blvd., in Bakersfield for William Rouff Dolan, who passed away October 4, 2009. A private graveside service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, October 9, followed by an 11 a.m. memorial service at Chester Avenue Community Church, 1509 South Chester Avenue. Dolan was born July 9, 1912 on a ranch in Traver, CA and spent most of his youth in Wasco, CA, moving to Bakersfield in 1937. He graduated from the University of California at Berkeley in 1937 and was appointed to the Bakersfield Police Department in December of that year. He took a one-year leave of absence in 1940 to attend the U.S. Border Patrol Academy and hone his Spanish- language skills. He became an investigator for the Kern County District Attorney and was appointed Undersheriff in 1951. In 1960, Dolan earned a teaching credential and began teaching at Arvin High School, where he stayed for 24 years. Retiring in 1978, he continued working as a substitute teacher until the age of 80. In 1988, he became the first president of the Kern County Sheriff's Advisory Council, now known as the Kern County Law Enforcement Foundation. Dolan was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Nina E. Dolan. He is survived by his son, William M. Dolan of Castaic, CA; his daughter, Sarah E. Thurman of Lake Havasu, AZ; His stepsons, Darrel Leckliter of Walnut Creek, CA and Terry Leckliter of Tiller, OR. He leaves 16 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

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Published by Bakersfield Californian on Oct. 8, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for William Dolan

15 Entries

John R Smith

November 4, 2009

My name is John R.Smith, former Sheriff of Kern County. Bll was the finest mam I ever met. I met Bill in 1982 and we soon became great friends.
He was my tireless manager during my election attempts and had more energy than I did. I am sorry I didn't make the services but due to personal family problems, it was not possible.

He contributed more to our community than he will ever be remembered for.

William Dolan

October 11, 2009

My name is William Riner Dolan. I am the grandson of William Rouff Dolan. I wanted to thank all of the people who I have talked to over the last several days and all the people who have written such nice words about my Grandfather. The stories of how he helped so many of you are overwhelming. I was lucky to be his grandson and I will always be proud to carry on his name. On behalf of the Dolan family I thank you all.

Noel Mingus

October 8, 2009

I was one of the "neighborhood kids" in the 60's and Mr and Mrs. Dolan lived one block from my house. He was like a part time father to me and all the other kids. Fixing our bikes, giving some of us bikes, showing us how to make skate boards out of our old skates and the scarey rides in his wheel barrel. I ran into him a couple years back at the Village Grill and he remembered me. Great memories from a great man. My sympathies to Mrs. Dolan and her family.

Donnette Haddad

October 8, 2009

My heart is truly breaking tonight as I learn of the passing of Mr. Dolan. He was such a wonderful, wonderful person. He was my french teacher at Arvin High School. I loved taking his class. He always made learning french so much fun. He was such a special person and he will be missed so much. My prayers go out to his family for their sorrow and loss. May God bless you and keep you always.

richard kapsch

October 8, 2009

i am very sorry at the loss of bill dolan....i will miss him....my condolences to his family and loved ones.
may THE GOD of peace and comfort be with you all ...

Clarence Rea

October 8, 2009

God speed, Bill
I will never forget the great times we had together from 1946 to 1952 as peace officers. You will be missed.
Clarence Rea

Pam & Mitchell Slotkin

October 8, 2009

Our sincerest condolences to Darryl, Lydia, Lori and the entire family. We heard great stories and saw photos of "Grandpa" for years but never realized what a special man he was and what an impression he had on so many people!
Sorry we never had the opportunity of meeting this fine gentleman who lived such a full life! Out prayers & thoughts are with you all.

The Madrigal Family

October 8, 2009

Mr. Dolan was our teacher in the late 70's at Arvin High. We will miss him and we're lucky to have had him as a teacher. To his family, our deepest condolences, El señor Dolan fue uno de nuestros profesores preferidos.

Debbie Reyes

October 8, 2009

I am truly sorry for the lose of a great man. I've known Mr. Dolan for 6 years. I always called him the vendor man. When ever he came into Catholic Charities and I was there, I would go out to see how he was doing. I was so intrigued with this man, who at times was in better shape and health than I was in his 90's. And that he had this great life and career's. He talked about his children and grandchildren and I've had the pleasure of meeting two of his granddaughters. He will truly leave his mark in my heart forever. You are now home with Jesus and your wife.

Regina (Martinez) Maxwell

October 8, 2009

My heart is breaking as I write about this amazing man that left an indelible mark in my life. As a former student and co-editor of our high school newspaper "Bear Facts", I learned from the best in seeking truth and becoming a sponge for information. Mr. Dolan is in a league of his own, and I am honored to have him as my advisor and mentor. To his family, my deepest condolences, and
THANK YOU for allowing this incredible being to be part of mine and many other Arvin High'ers.
Regina (Martinez) Maxwell

Farrell Neeley, PhD

October 8, 2009

Mr. Dolan was a great teacher and an exceptional human being. I was never his best student, but he was always so encouraging to those of us who were struggling in our homes and our school work. If you ran into him, even many years later, he'd recall your name. The world is a poorer place today as a result if his passing. "...well done thou good and faithful servant..."

Kay Hightower

October 8, 2009

Bill and Nina were our neighbors for many years and wonderful neighbors they were. Bill knew so much about local history - he was truly a remarkable man. I had hoped he would one day write a book about his life and times. Bill entered law enforcement in Bakersfield around the time of the murder of Methias Warren, whose son was Supreme Court Justice Earl Warren. He could tell you the history of almost every building and home in downtown Bakersfield. Bill was an articulate and intelligent man and we always enjoyed his company. He made the world a better place.
Matt and Kay Hightower

Lydia Valdez

October 8, 2009

I was a student of Mr. Dolan back in the 60s. He knew I came from a very humble home and he would find little jobs for me like correcting papers and straightening his classroom just to justify giving me a few dollars to buy lunch. I now work at Arvin High and I loved to see him at our Christmas Open House and he always remembered many of us. I will miss him and consider myself lucky to have had him as a teacher and a friend.

October 8, 2009

What a loss, my condolences to his family. Our communities and this country need more men and role models like Bill Dolan. God bless you Mr. Dolan.

Sondra Hail

October 8, 2009

Bill Dolan was an exceptional man, an all around amazing person. He will always be one of the most influential people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. He was the kind of person that makes you want to be better and do more. The world has suffered a great loss in his passing. I will never forget Friday night Arvin football games or Sunday school lessons or the kindness shown to a lost young soul. Bill, you will always be in my heart and I will miss you dearly.

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