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WILLIAM SEED Obituary

SEED--Dr. William Tripler. Of Vero Beach, FL and Beaver Creek, CO died June 3, 2014 in Vero Beach after a long illness. Born November 17, 1930 in New York City, Dr. Seed spent his formative years in Minneapolis, MN, where he attended The Blake School. He graduated from The Chaote School and from Williams College, where he was a member of the Lambda Chapter of St. Anthony Hall. While at Williams College, Dr. Seed enrolled in the United States Air Force ROTC program. Upon graduation, and as a commissioned officer, he was assigned to active duty at the Ernest Harmon Air Force Base in St. Anthony, Newfoundland, where he met Dr. Gordon Thomas, the Director of the Grenfell Mission. It was Dr. Thomas' influence that directed Dr. Seed towards his life-long dedication in the field of pediatric medicine. Dr. Seed entered Cornell Medical School in 1958, earning his medical degree in 1962. He completed his internship and residencies at The New York Hospital, where he served as Chief Resident of Pediatrics. Dr. Seed entered private practice in New York City, retiring in 2001. Dr. Seed also served as an associate attending pediatrician at The New York Hospital and a Clinical Associate Professor at The Cornell Medical College. New York Magazine recognized Dr. Seed as one of New York's top pediatricians. Dr. Seed was a man graced with a keen interest in life, as well as an abiding dedication to the well-being of others. He was affectionately known as "Doc." Dr. Seed is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Dorsey Smith; son William T. Seed, Jr., daughter Stephanie W. Seed and their mother, Barbara Buchanan Seed; stepchildren Nelson Smith, and Betsy Smith Starratt; grandchildren, Cameron, Elle and Kenley; brother Peter Seed, and sister Eva Auchincloss; cousins George Matthews, William Matthews and G.F. Robert Hanke; and by numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Eva and Allen Seed, Jr; a brother Allen Hartley Seed III; and Aunt, Jean Flagler Matthews. A Memorial Service will be held 1pm on Saturday June 14, 2014, St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church in Vero Beach with Rev. Michael Goldberg officiating. Services are under the direction of Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach. A guest book is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Jun. 8, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM SEED

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Audrey Abbott

July 6, 2014

Dr. Seed was not only a gifted clinician, but also a wise and kind human being. He cared for parents' anxieties as deftly as he did our children's physical distresses. Jen, Geoff and Tim are so lucky to have been his patients! With deepest respect to his entire family.

Phyllis Cohen

June 23, 2014

With forever deep gratitude to Dr. Seed. He was always there for us, he was brilliant and dedicated, he valued my opinion, and I knew we were safe. My children, now adult, will adore him forever, and their trust in him provided a safe passage into their adult healthcare. He will continue to be part of my personal important memories of my life.

Cynthia Rothstein

June 15, 2014

On behalf of myself, my husband, and my 3 children, Michael, Lori and Meryl (now in their 30s and 40s), I say, "Thank you Dr Seed for the incredible and caring care you provided!". Though I was always a worrier, I somehow always knew that my children would be OK because Dr Seed was looking out for them. I was confident he would provide the best care in the best way and I was always reassured all would be well. What a lovely man he was too; kind, gentle and genteel . I don't know if they "make them like that" anymore. He will be greatly missed. Our sympathies and best wishes to his family.

Kevin Pelletier

June 13, 2014

I had the pleasure of working for Bill and Dorsey at their home in Florida for many years and becoming good friends with them. When I was diagnosed with Cancer in 2001 Doc went out of his way to guide me through a very difficult time and he helped me pull through with his guidance, humor and his caring spirit! I cannot say enough how much he will be missed! He was an incredible person with a tremendous heart and I will always remember how much he did for me and how very special a person he was!

I wish the very best in this difficult time for Dorsey and family.

May God Bless You All!

Kevin Pelletier

Salome Edgeworth

June 12, 2014

As a child I was never afraid to go to the doctor. Dr. Seed was a joy who put me at ease at all times. When I was old enough to see a regular doctor as opposed to a pediatrician I remember thinking that I longed to be the only big kid in the waiting room with the donkey knowing that Dr. Seed would greet me instead of in a grown up waiting room.
He is SO fondly remembered by myself and my mother Jane Zalman. All of my love goes to your family.

June 11, 2014

Sincere condolences to the family of our
dearly loved "Doc" - What would we have ever done without you.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Nespole Famiy

June 11, 2014

So sorry for the loss of your Father, Bill.
Catherine and Simon Kinsler

Stephanie Seed

June 10, 2014

I Love You so much Daddio. Beyond the Sun, Moon and Stars. I know you are in Heaven and my new Guardian Angels. May God bless you and keep. Thank you for being the very best daddy in the whole world! I am so lucky.
Xoxoxo Stephanie

C Kirk Osterland M.D.

June 10, 2014

To all of Bill's family.I am so sorry to learn of his passing.He was an old and valued friend.Our families shared many great times together,and he and I shared a number of professional discussions.I have fond memories and I will miss him.ckirko &Jane

Elizabeth Shields

June 10, 2014

Dear Dorsey,
So sorry to hear of Bill's death. I'm sure you and the kids will miss him.

Hope you are taking care of yourself.
Liz

Patricia Tubes-Mohs

June 10, 2014

Dr. Seed was our wonderful pediatrician after the births of my son and daughter, each of whom joins me in sorrow on learning of his death. Dr. Seed was a source of calm for my children to rely upon. When their home life became chaotic, they knew that there was an adult to whom they could turn if necessary. He is sorely missed.

June 10, 2014

One of the good guys! Dorsey, I remember him young and spirited. Dorothy shares with me in sending you our condolences. From his college classmate and fellow pediatrician.
John Lewy

Terry Fry

June 9, 2014

Cousin Bill will be missed. I don't think I have seen him since he was an usher in my wedding (Sept 1957) but we kept in touch through Christmas cards. My deepest sympathy to all his family

Jean Cameron Phleger

June 9, 2014

Dorsey,
Bill was a great family friend and my first pediatrician. I am sorry for your loss.

Susan Harrington-Butts

June 9, 2014

Dr. Seed met us in the hospital right after our son Andrew was born in 1980 and was there for us when his brother George was born in 1982 and for 19 years thereafter. We knew that if Dr. Seed was "on the case" no matter how serious the illness, everything would be OK. He was a wonderful comfort to us.

Sherri & Ralph Neri

June 9, 2014

Dear Dorsey, Ralph and I are so very sorry to learn of Bill's passing. In the 50 years I have known Bill, he was always so kind and thoughtful, with his gentle sense of humor. We are thinking of you, Billy, & Stephanie, with love, Sherri and Ralph

Mary Hogan

June 9, 2014

Dorsey, I am sorry for your loss.

Alan DeMayo

June 9, 2014

I remember when Bill started practice. He came to my office for advice on where and how to start. We subsequently became part of a coverage group of primary care pediatricians. I remember him fondly as one of the loyal and consistent participants.

Kathryn Kehoe

June 8, 2014

Dr. Seed was the wonderful pediatrician for our two sons, Jack (32) and Nick (29)…To this day, we laugh about Dr. Seed saying to me, their mother, "OK, Mom, time to check the 'equipment', it's probably a good idea for you to step outside"….He dealt with us with warmth and humor, but most importantly, we always knew he had the best interest of the boys and was so calm, reassuring, and competent.
Best wishes to his family; he will surely be missed. We are grateful he was in our lives.

Emily Overlock Curry

June 8, 2014

Dr. Seed was my doctor from birth through college. Going to his office, which I did often because of asthma and severe allergies, was always a positive experience. Not many children who got allergy shots every few weeks would say that about their doctor visits. Dr. Seed had an extraordinary ability to connect with his patients. He was always wise and comforting. My relationship with him has set the standard by which I judge all other doctor relationships. No one else has come close to meeting that standard. I feel so lucky to have been his patient.

Peni Weinstein

June 8, 2014

Dr Seed was a caring and smart for my two children who are now in their forties. When we had a TB alert at one of the private schools, Dr Seed came forward with good, conservative advice which spared many children from having to be medicated for a very long period of time. I feel very lucky to have had him as a guiding light and voice of reason.

Lucy Holmes Orens

June 8, 2014

Dr. Seed was pediatrician to my children, Norrie and Peter Johnson. I remember when I would call him when one of them had a fever, and he would ask, "Where does it hurt?" He always believed mothers knew better than doctors, and he told me, "I don't cure. Mother Nature cures." I am so saddened by his death and so grateful that he was in my life. Thoughts and prayers to his family. Lucy Holmes Orens (then Lucy Johnson)

Laura Breyer

June 8, 2014

My thoughts are with Stephanie at this difficult time.

Trina Overlock

June 8, 2014

Thank you for many years of support and care as my children matured. They always loved their visits to Dr. Seed and regarded you as something of a favorite "uncle." You are fondly remembered and sorely missed!

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