Sheldon Kuuipo Keala

Sheldon Kuuipo Keala passed peacefully on Thursday, July 21, 2022. Born on October 23, 1938, in Puʻunēnē, Maui to David Keala and Rebecca Foo Sum, he was raised on Maui until age 11. His parents sent him to Honolulu to attend and live at Kamehameha School. While he recognized this as a financial sacrifice for his parents, he often felt deep homesickness. Sheldon was the second of three children; his brother David and sister Annette preceded him in death.

After serving in Korea for the U.S. Army for a couple of years,  Sheldon was stationed at the Presidio in 1959. Within a few months, he met Jacqueline "Jackie" Keller whom he adored until the end. The couple married on August 17, 1960, in the Los Angeles Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together they moved to Corvallis, Oregon where he attended and graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Computer Science.  

Sheldon and Jackie returned to the Bay Area where he worked as a systems analyst/computer programmer for many businesses and institutions including MasterCard, St. Mary's College, World Airways, Kaiser Steel, Physics International, and ADP.  He attended an evening program to earn an MBA from St. Mary's College in Moraga.  Despite the racial discrimination he encountered, Sheldon enjoyed a successful career.

Sheldon and Jackie retired and moved to Summerlin, Nevada for several years until his advanced dementia required they return to California. In 2011, they moved to Benicia and loved living near Kalani and his family. Monday Family Home Evenings were a highlight of their week. 

Sheldon faithfully served his brothers and sisters in the gospel of Jesus Christ through his church. He will be remembered for his generosity and kindness, serving the youth by organizing activities and dances; as well as the widows who needed work done around their homes, or simply a friend to listen patiently.

Regrettably, Sheldon suffered severe dementia. The family gradually said farewell to him over the years as his mind slowly slipped away. The staff at Hillside Place compassionately cared for him for many years.

Sheldon is survived by his four children and their spouses: Karan and Gary Perras, Kristine and Greg Bishop, Kalani and Amy Dresser and Kurtis and Amy Moyers; his 12 grandchildren: Kristen, Lindsay, Shauna, Karenna, Brooke, Anya, Ashley, Julia, Hannah, Allyson, Tyler and Micah, and his six great-grandchildren, Sam, Ellen, Kate, Josie, Lydia and Charlie.

A small family service will be held Wednesday morning July 27th.  Family will then gather for the dedication of the burial site at Rolling Hills Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a non-profit Alzheimer’s research organization.

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