William "Bill" Henry Seely Jr.

William Henry Seely, Jr., age 85, passed away, surrounded by his family at home, on August 6, 2024, in Scottsdale, AZ. He was born October 28, 1938, in White Plains, NY to William Henry and Regina (Sheets) Seely.

He grew up in Scarsdale, NY, at 155 Old Army Rd. He attended Seely Place School formerly known as Edgemont Elementary. During his time at Edgemont(K-10), his classmates affectionately referred to him as Henry. He completed high school at Wooster, a boarding school in Danbury, CT. Both schools played a significant role in his life, creating lifelong friendships, wonderful memories, and countless good times celebrating reunions throughout the years.

Bill left Colby College to pursue a successful career in construction and engineering. He relocated from New York to California and, in the 1960s, spent over five years in Vietnam building airports. During his time there, he also married and started a family. Upon returning to the United States, he joined Bechtel, where he had a unique dual career. Initially, he spent five years in Human Resources before transitioning to field construction, working on various international and domestic projects.

His work took him across the globe, including the Alaskan Pipeline, Saudi Arabia (Riyadh), O'Hare Airport McCarran Airport in Las Vegas, JFK Airport in Long Island, and the Toyota Test Track in Arizona. Throughout his career, Bill visited 33 countries and 47 states.

Bill maintained close connections with many of his colleagues in construction and his extended Bechtel family. A group of friends from his HR and Saudi projects continued to meet regularly for informal reunions in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area.

Bill had a wide range of interests and hobbies. He was a passionate Diamondback season ticket holder for over 20 years, an avid sports fan, a dedicated dog show enthusiast, and a keen bridge and poker player. He enjoyed deep-sea fishing, golf, tennis, genealogy, writing, and engaging in political forums, and always ready with a captivating story. His volunteer work reflected his commitment to community, serving as a part-time volunteer firefighter in Palm Desert, dedicating time at Zuni Elementary, working with students from grades 1 to 5, and being the team scorekeeper for his son, John’s baseball games.

Bill was a loving son, brother, devoted husband, father, uncle, and friend. He will be fondly remembered for his radiant smile, infectious laugh, quick wit, and the countless stories he shared from his rich life experiences. Bill’s legacy of love, positive spirit, dedication, and resilience will forever be etched in our hearts.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Karen, of 31 years, his former wife, La Seely, his children, William Seely III, James Seely, and John Seely, and his four cherished grandchildren, Tom, Emma, Quinn, and Charlie Seely.

Bill's Celebration of Life will be held September 28, 2024 at 2 PM held at Green Acres Mortuary, 401 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85257.