- Date Of Birth: November 1, 1934
- Date Of Death: July 28, 2011
- State: Arizona
Valjean Joseph “Bud” Dickey was called home to be with the Lord on July 28, 2011 after a sudden heart attack. Bud was born on November 11, 1934 to Charles and Margaret Dickey. His family moved to Ottumwa, Iowa in 1953 where he attended Ottumwa High and met his bride Bette Hammen, with whom he would spend 53 years in marriage. Bud will be missed by many for his gentle spirit and kind way. He had a keen sense of humor and always had a word of encouragement for all he encountered. He adored his wife and children and was a consummate family man. Bud graduated from Iowa Wesleyan in 1964 where he studied education and played football. After graduation he served as the Southwest Iowa district executive for the Boy Scouts of America. In his early married years, Bud served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Fort Meyer, VA where he took great pride as a driver for the Pentagon and played Army football. Bud and Bette moved to Scottsdale, AZ in 1966 where Bud pursued graduate study at Arizona State and soon began his career as a teacher and coach. He worked as an educator in the Chandler Unified School District for 30 years teaching physical education and coaching football, wrestling, track and soccer. He also served for over 30 years at Scottsdale Parks and Recreation organizing youth sports and managing community sports facilities. Bud used his teaching position to love, encourage and motivate thousands of students during his tenure and he was a beloved fixture at the schools where he taught and the gyms and fields that he managed. His love of teaching greatly influenced his two children as his daughter Liz and son Charlie both pursued careers in the profession. After a long and rewarding career, Bud retired from teaching in 1996. Bud was an avid sports fan and had a particular passion for football. Most every fall was spent following whichever college football team that his son, Charlie was coaching. He loved playing golf and classic movies.
Memorials: Trinity Classical Academy, 28310 Kelly Johnson Pkwy.
