Orland Dewey

Orland Dallas Dewey, 82, a lifelong resident of Bellaire, died Monday, April 23, 2018, at Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility.  He was born April 19, 1936, the son of Orland V. and Eva Marie (Arball) Dewey, but raised by his grandparents and several wonderful neighbors.

Orland was a hard worker and a problem solver.

He worked full-time at Lamina Bronze, retiring after 44 years of service.  Orland always had at least one project in progress, with others in the planning stages.  For years he operated “Orland Dewey’s Power Equipment,” a full-time side business, selling Case and Kubota tractors, doing small engine repair, and sharpening blades.

Orland served on the Bellaire Village Council for many years, and was instrumental in bringing Christmas lights to downtown Bellaire, and basketball and tennis courts to Richardi Park.   His hobbies included gardening, fishing, water skiing, boating, snowmobiling, operating anything mechanical, and especially, working with his hands. In 1970 Orland and Jean purchased land on Wart Lake, in Canada; and together with their children, they built a family cabin that provided many years of memories and stories.  Orland was a member of the Bellaire Community United Methodist Church.

On January 18, 1958, he married Eleanor “Jean” Hardy, who survives.  Also surviving are his children Kelley (Kurt) Shoecraft of Williamston, Kevin (Tammy) Dewey of Shelby Township; grandchildren Kendall (Heather) Shoecraft, Kathryn Shoecraft, Diana Dewey, Devon Dewey; many nieces and nephews; and exchange student Jack Pheifer of Utrecht, Netherlands.  Orland is also survived by brother-in-law Robert (Marlene) Hardy and Arthur Greiner; step-sister Betty (George) Gray and sister-in-law Joyce Dewey-Chinn.  Orland was preceded in death by his siblings Samuel and Donald Dewey, Zeta Brousseau, Donna Greiner, and Jacqueline (Howard) Pottenger.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Commission on Aging-Meals on Wheels or to Bellaire Community United Methodist Church Memorial Fund.

Services will be held on Friday, May 4th at the Bellaire Community United Methodist Church with visitation at 10 a.m. and memorial service at 11 a.m. with a luncheon to follow.  Arrangements have been handled by the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.