George Seiden

George Seiden

On August 19, 2015 the world lost a man of integrity; loving father, doting husband, uncle and grandfather, loyal friend and loving brother when George Seiden passed away suddenly. Dr. Seiden died at home after a brave battle with multiple health problems. Passionate about his work as a physician, he worked until the day of his death.

A Memorial Service honoring Dr. Seiden will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2015 at B'nai Zion Congregation, 245 Southfield Road, Shreveport. Officiating will be Rabbi Jana De Benedetti. Following the service a reception celebrating his life will be held at Joe and Ann Fertitta's Anvil Grill, 6301 Line Avenue, Shreveport.

Dr. Seiden was born in the Bronx, New York on May 14, 1942 to Ben and Shirley Seiden and grew up in Queens, New York. He graduated from Queens College in Flushing, New York in 1963. After beginning his doctoral research at Yale University, he completed his Ph.D. in Physiology from University of Cincinnati in 1969. Dr. Seiden moved his family to Shreveport to attend LSU School of Medicine and graduated in 1976. George completed his residency in Psychiatry in 1979, receiving the Dr. John W. Bick Award from the Louisiana Psychiatric Association.

Dr. Seiden opened his private practice and served various medical leadership positions. He was Chief of Staff at Brentwood Hospital, Medical Director at CarePsych Center Willis-Knighton Medical Center, Medical Director of the Psychiatric Unit at Charter Forest Hospital, Medical Director at Greentree Center at Humana Hospital Brentwood, Medical Director Adult Psychiatric Unit at CPC Brentwood Hospital and Chief of Psychiatry at Schumpert Medical Center.

At the time of his death, he was serving as Chairman of the Pharmacy, Nutrition, and Infection Control Committee and Peer Review Chairman at Brentwood Hospital.

George found his passion in Forensic Psychiatry achieving certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He was also serving as Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana. Dr. Seiden took great pride in testifying as an expert witness in multiple cases in Louisiana and across the United States as well as internationally.

He was predeceased by his parents, and grandparents, his zayde and bubbie Philip and Rose Oratz. George was never happier than when he was surrounded by his family and friends. He will be missed each day by his loving and cherished wife of 39 years, his devoted soulmate Rebecca Jane "Becky" Beckham Seiden. His greatest joys in life were his son, Daniel Philip Seiden and wife, Kathy of Mandeville, Louisiana and daughter, Melissa Joy Seiden Wainman and husband, Shane of Dallas, Texas. He reveled in the nachas of his six beloved grandsons: Joshua and Ethan Wainman; Noah, Benjamin, Adam and Aaron Seiden. He is also survived by his sister, Marcia Seiden and partner, Skip Elber of Bayside, New York; brother, David Seiden and wife, Norine of East Brunswick, New Jersey; nephews, Gary Seiden,and wife, Abbey, Jeffrey Seiden and wife, Tracey, and Marc Seiden. He will also be missed by great-niece Charlena Weaver, great-nephew Joseph Merritt and his loving mother-in-law, Maxine Beckham. A large circle of loving and supportive friends will miss his full-faced smile and hearty laugh.

George's dear friends Randy Bailey, his lifelong friend Ethan Brook, John O. Coleman, Joe Ferttita, Chuck Gray, and Dr. Richard Williams, will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The New Orleans Saints have lost their most devoted fan in Dr. Seiden, a 21-year season ticket holder. Two of his greatest memories were being in the Dome for the post-Katrina opening of the Superdome to beat Atlanta and attending the Super Bowl in Miami to watch his beloved Saints win the World Championship. Who Dat!! A member of the Krewe of Gemini for 15 years, he was privileged to serve as Float Lieutenant for three years and made many lifelong friends.

He will be missed by his beloved dogs, Newbie, Tac and Sweet Candy that gave him great comfort and joy.

On behalf of George, the family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Pierce Nunley, Dr. David Cavanaugh, Dr. Mike Futrell, Dr. Steve Levine and the entire staff of Willis-Knighton North Rehab Unit for their excellent care and caring.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations may be made to The Robinson Rescue Center, 2515 Line Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71104; Providence House, 814 Cotton Street Shreveport, LA 71101; Nina's Road To Rescue, 195 Burt Blvd Benton, LA 71006; or the Officer Thomas Joseph LaValley Family Donations at ANECA Credit Union, 2650 Benton Road Bossier City, LA 71111