Dr. Richard Jay SEEDMAN

1937 - 2018

SEEDMAN, Dr. Richard Jay Of Glen Ellen, CA, passed away after a brief sudden illness on January 3, 2017. He was the only child of George and Ellen Seedman born in New York City on July 13th, 1937 and is survived by his wife and partner of 50 years Joelle Seedman, his dogs Lupe and Carpe, and his horses Maxie and Flash. Richard was an exceptional equestrian, and after graduating Yale University he turned down an opportunity to train with the US Equestrian Olympics team in order to attend UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. While still a student at UCD Richard taught Dressage, won the US Dressage Championship in Prix St. George (1966), and was a founding member of the California Dressage Society. After graduating vet school he and his wife Joelle opened Coddingtown Veterinary Clinic in Santa Rosa and later added Expressway Veterinary Hospital in Rohnert Park. He was active in Sonoma County Search and Rescue and was supervising veterinarian for the Sonoma County Sheriff's department. On a dare, Richard and Joelle also opened and ran a very successful restaurant in Santa Rosa named The Bread Board. After retiring he became involved in Martial Arts and was included by his sensei in a promotional video to show that even septuagenarians can enjoy Martial Arts. But Richard's main passion was clearly his beloved wife Joel. Since Richard was a casual man, the Memorial Service will be a casual affair held at: 1 p.m. on Sunday, January 28th at Ellington Hall, 3535 Industrial Dr., Santa Rosa. In lieu of flowers please honor Richard by taking your dog or horse to the park, or maybe sit by the fire with a loved one and read a beautiful poem. In other words, live your life to the fullest .... as Richard did. Last Things First Every day, almost without fail, My horse "Maxie" and I gallop our mountain trail... ...Though some jobs must be set aside: 'Cause you never know when it's the last ride... "Carpe Diem, quam minimum credula postero." Richard Jay Seedman, May 11, 2016