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I met Dean Sheffield in 1960 before I took the Bar examination when he was Executive Director of the Utah State Bar. He was encouraging. He was direct. He was pleasant.
After being
a member of the Bar for several years, I met Dean again when I joined the Bonneville Kiwanis, of which he was a member. Some years later, when Dean was President of the club and I was a
prosecutor in the County Attorneys office, I received a call from Dean at the office. After announcing who he was, he said, "Barney, you are a lousy member of our club. You have
missed meetings, you have a bill on the books for lunches you haven't eaten. At the board meeting last night, we discussed your situation, your trial schedule for the County, and decided
you could stay in the club if you would pay half of what you owed for lunches and dues, and become a good member. What do you want to do?" I was a little shocked, but said I wanted
to remain a member in good standing. But for Dean's caring way and interest, I would have been out. My opportunity to serve in Kiwanis over the years only existed due to Dean's invitation
to retain my membership.
Some years later, in a trial with Dean Sheffield as the Defendant's attorney, I found out what an excellent trial lawyer Dean was he prevailed, in a hard
fought case involving alleged fraud and embezzlement.
In all of Dean's 30 years as Director of the Utah Bar, he served with distinction, was a credit to the Bar and all who
practice. He was a great public servant, civic club official, as well as a good family man and friend. He will be sorely missed by family, associates and friends. I say God's Speed to
Dean Wilmer Sheffield.
Bernard "Barney" Tanner, Bar #3185
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