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George Selleh Obituary

GEORGE "MIKE" MICHAEL SELLEH Age 52, of Simi Valley, passed away July 29, 2007 following a tragic auto accident. Mike, the son of George E. and Eileen Mae Selleh, was born October 5, 1954 in Mesa, Arizona. He was raised in Tempe, Arizona and at the age of 12 moved with his family to Van Nuys, California. In 1984 he married Barbara, his best friend and the love of his life. He and his family have lived in Simi Valley for the last 13 years. Mike began his distinguished career with the Los Angeles Police Department in 1978 for the Wilshire Division. In 1983, he was promoted to Motor Officer and assigned to the Central Traffic Division as well as the Valley and West Traffic Divisions. In 1990 he began working in the Narcotics Division and soon made Detective. By 1991 Mike was the Buy Team Supervisor followed by a promotion to Squad Leader of the Mule Train in 1994. In 2004 he became Detective III and was hand picked to head the newly founded Narcotics detail in the Mission Division. Mike had many assignments through the years such as being part of the Devonshire Squad, West Los Angeles Gang Impact Team, the Safer Cities Initiative, and many others. Following September 11, 2001, Mike was selected to participate on a special surveillance team and was loaned to an Anti Terrorism Division. He received accommodations including the Police Meritorious Situation Medal for work done with the Mule Train, and most recently honored as Detective of the Year. Most important to Mike was his family. He participated with his son Scott in the Boy Scouts of America as an Assistant Scout Master and was in the process of restoring a classic car with him. He never missed one of his daughter Jessica's basketball games, and loved spending time with his wife. Mike was a true Craftsman and enjoyed working with wood. He also loved fishing, hunting, scuba diving, and riding his motorcycle. He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Barbara; son, Scott; daughter, Jessica; sister, Kathy Caplinger; sister, and brother-in-law, Janice (Jim) Rowe of Goodyear, Arizona; nephews, Kyle Caplinger and Bret (Peggy) Rowe of Arizona; niece, Shelley (Ivan) Krusic of San Diego, California. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, George and Eileen Selleh. A Memorial Service will take place Monday, August 6, 2007, 10:00 a.m., at The Church At Rocky Peak, 22610 Santa Susana Pass Rd., Chatsworth, California, with the participation of the Los Angeles Police Department. Arrangements are under the direction of ETERNAL VALLEY MEMORIAL PARK & MORTUARY Directors (661) 259-0800

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Published by Los Angeles Daily News from Aug. 4 to Aug. 5, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for George Selleh

38 Entries

Doug Iversen

March 15, 2009

Mike - you would be so proud of your daughter, Jessi. She has regained her spirit and helped spur her college basketball team onto championship playoffs.

We all know you were looking down on her and her team as you called out her name and smiled.

PJ Green

August 3, 2008

Barbara,
So sad to hear about your loss, Mike was one of the best and he will be missed, he was a great person and a truly caring person.

Ron Miller

July 31, 2008

It's hard to believe that it's been almost a year now. I worked Narcotics with Mike and after I left the department and joined Burbank PD Mike and I kept in touch. So many great things have been said about Mike and every comment has been true. What else can be said but he was a good man and great to work with. RIP.

Doug Iversen

July 31, 2008

Letter to Mike:

We still miss you, partner. You haven't been forgotten and your memory will remain for all time in the hearts and minds of those that had the honor to work with you.

Rest in peace.

Ruth Gomez

August 20, 2007

Dear Barbara, Scott and Jessica - there are no words that can truly comfort you, no one can hold you and make you feel better and you never really get over these feelings of disbelief but you do get used to the fact that your lover/dad is gone. What a guy! I remember when Barb and Mike met...I remember treating him in the Tarzana clinic when he was in "the first" bike accident. I remember his great sense of humor and warmth, his pragmatic approach to life, his dedication to Barb and his pride in his family. I remember Barb's smile when she saw him and I remember their wedding at the Academy...one of the most beautiful I've ever attended. He was a role model, never satisfied with his performance - always trying to make it better. How much he accomplished in his short life! What a legacy he leaves. 'Wishing you comfort in the memories he leaves and the love he held for all of you.
Love and hugs
Ruth and Dave Gomez

Margaret Painter

August 17, 2007

Dear Barbra,Scott,Jessica and Kathy
I just wanted to say again how sorry we are. Mike, Kathy and I spent a lot of time together growing up In Tempe. and I have so many good memories of thoes days. I
know Mike will never be forgotten.
Our thoughs and prayers are with you all.
dwight & margaret Painter

Linda Frazeur

August 16, 2007

Dear Selleh Family -
Mike's life was truly well-lived, and he is a shining example to all those who had the pleasure of meeting and knowing him. We felt his impact in scouts. I know our Lord will give you grace for this time and the consolation of a loving and extended family in your midst. God bless you all...

James Selleh

August 16, 2007

Dear, Barbara, Jessie and Scott, while I have never meet you or your husband/ Dad, as a long lost First Cousin of your Dad I am sadden to here of his lost. My Dad Sam and your GrandDad George were very close as brothers and i always heard about my Uncle George and his family. I am sorry that I did not meet your Dad. I hope that sometime in the near future we can meet.

May God Bless each of you during this time

Jack Selleh

August 15, 2007

Dear Barbara and Family,I am very sorry to learn of Mikes death,unfortunately I have not seen much of you guy's over years.but If I can do anything for you let me know.
Cousin Jack

Jim, Cindy, Erika, Brooke & Carly Jane Ward

August 14, 2007

Barbara, Jessie and Scott,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this tragic time. Jessie try and remember all the good times with your Dad and his smile:)
Try and stay strong, it may seem impossible now but you have love and support all around you and a guardian angel above. It was a pleasure to know your Dad and how proud he was of you at all times. Your entire family will always be in our prayers!

Ed & Kim Baker

August 11, 2007

Barbara, Scott & Jessie,
We've lamented since the accident that Mike's was an unfinished life. But, he had perfected the art of living, as the passionate family man, the dear friend, the distinguished LAPD Officer, the beloved Scoutmaster and the amazing craftsman. We're not sure how he pulled it off, but he always made time for the people who were important to him. For those of us who knew him, it seems as though he lived a big life in his too short time here, and while we will always miss him, we will also be grateful that we could call him "friend."

Doug Iversen

August 8, 2007

Barbara, Scott & Jessi:
My deepest sympathies for your loss. I worked with Mike several times and always knew him as a kind person and a professional. He will be missed by many.

Eddie Shore

August 7, 2007

Sellah family
I worked with Mike in Narcotics for several years and he was, by far, one of the finest men I have ever known. What I really noticed after all the years in Narcotics was his uncanny ability to smile all the time when he first saw someone approaching. He never turned or walked in the other direction, it was always a smile and a hi to every cop that he came in contact with. The department has lost a fine officer and a great person.

Bob Warren

August 7, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I had the pleasure of working with Mike at Valley Narcotics where the "Mule Train Squad" was assigned. As a supervisor there I often observed Mike and his squad make some very significant arrests. It was clear to me that Mike was a respected detective and a friend to those who worked by his side.

Ivana Hyson

August 7, 2007

Dear Selleh family. It saddens me to hear of your loss. We lost my father last July in a tragic accident. He was too young as well. I feel for your pain as this pain is all to real for us too. It's hard to imagine life without that person and when his life became pictures and memory. You are a strong family and you will find strength and comfort in each other. I pray for you family and your broken hearts.

Elna Rae & Phil Zeilinger

August 7, 2007

Our thoughts, prayers, and sympathy is with all of you at this time.

Margarita Stephens

August 7, 2007

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.

R. Simmons

August 7, 2007

To Barbara, Jessi & Scott:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Sincerely
The Simmons Family
Anna, Gary & Robyn

Bob Clark

August 6, 2007

Wishing you comfort and peace at this time of sorrow. Mike was a wonderful spirit who will remain in our thoughts and prayers.

Larry Minton

August 6, 2007

To the Selleh Family,

My first memories of Mike is when he was a new officer (1979?)assigned to Wilshire Area and we partnered up one night and were assigned to a black and white. I allowed him to drive and as we were leaving the police parking lot gate Mike saw a man commit a vehicle violation. Within seconds we were in a vehicle and subsequent foot pursuit of a GTA susp. I will never forget it. Mike saw this from the police parking lot within seconds of getting in the police car to start work. I saw Mike periodically through the years and read several of his arrest reports as the Van Nuys Night Detective. I was always impressed by his character and professionalism. I want you to know that I also knew him as one great guy.

My prayers are with you.

Vern Orth

August 6, 2007

Barbara, Scott an Jessi,
A beautiful service today and a fitting tribute to your husband/father.
Not to take anything away from his distinquished service as a police officer, I knew Mike from a different life--his involvement with Scouting where I was privileged to share a close friendship with him. He touched the lives of hundreds of youth and adult scouters in very positive way and, like ripples in a pond, his touch will continue to have a positive effect on those who knew him for many, many years to come. His willingness to pitch in and shoulder more than his share of the load, always with a smile on his face, always making things easier for others, says more about the man than words can express. I am blessed to have known him for the time and adventures we shared and I miss him terribly.
Mike had his priorities straight--family, friends, commmunity and country and a rock-steady moral compass. He was truly a great role model and mentor. And, an awful lot of fun to hang out with.
My deepest sympathy to you at this difficult time. Know that you are our thoughts and prayers and we are here for you.
God Bless you all.

Betty Barnett

August 6, 2007

To the Selleh Family:
Our small world story of Mike--His mom, Eileen, and my mom, Jane Mattauch, worked together for many years at Coast Federal Savings. I remember how proud Eileen was when Mike became a policeman. Amazingly, Mike was assigned to Wilshire Division and my husband, Jim Barnett, was one of his first training officers. From the beginning, he was a great policeman and a wonderful friend. Through the years, he kept in touch with both my mom and my husband. His kindness was greatly appreciated by both of them.

My prayers and thoughts are with you. I know he loved his family very much.

Alan Skobin

August 6, 2007

To The Selleh Family:

I had the pleasure and honor of meeting and speaking with Mike a number of times over the years, and my memory of him is of a dedicated and giving man who always put others first. He also put service before self. The tributes and memories shared at Mike's funeral touched me deeply, and it was clear that he is loved (and will be missed) by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jerry Powell

August 6, 2007

My thoughts and prayers for the Selleh family. George was an outstanding man and officer. It was a joy to work around him.

Jerry Powell

August 6, 2007

My thoughts and prayers for the Selleh family. George was an outstanding man and officer. It was a joy to work around him.

Don Hooper

August 6, 2007

To Detective Selleh's wife and children: Mike was a force for good on earth. He was a positive role model in all he did. He was a true blue LAPD officer, one of the best to wear the uniform. He will be missed.

Doug Iversen

August 6, 2007

Dear Barbara, Scott & Jessi:

This morning's services for Mike were wonderful. Jessi, your comments were from the heart and we all knew exactly how much you loved and will miss your dad.

I was in the Academy with Mike, worked the Jail with him and dove with him on the Dive Team. He was a great cop and a great father, husband and friend. All of us that ever knew him will miss him terribly and offer our deepest condolences for your loss.

Please remember the comments of the Chaplin when he said that you are now and will forever be a part of a very large family - all of us that ever wore the LAPD blue will do whatever we can to make life more comfortable and secure for all of you. All you need do is ask.

May God be with you all in this time of sorrow.

Robert

August 6, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

JoAnn Mote

August 6, 2007

Barbara, Scott and Jessi,
We have such heavy hearts for the family. There are no words that would make you feel any better. Please know we are thinking of you.
Mike, JoAnn, Brittany and Raechel Mote

Judy Windle

August 5, 2007

Dear Selleh Family,
Please accept my thoughts and prayers for your family. I know that your family is well loved in the community. Words cannot express my sorrow. You will be in our prayers. The Windle Family

Sharen Drews

August 5, 2007

Be Still

Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.

Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.

If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.

Robert and Melissa (Selleh) Richards

August 5, 2007

Dear Barbara,Scott and Jessica,
We are so sorry for your terrible loss. My father, Mark (Mike's cousin) always had stories about Mike and always spoke so highly of him. It seemed so surreal when I learned of his death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Tag Gilbert

August 5, 2007

Soctt:
My sincerest condolences to you and your family with the loss your father.

My family's thoughts and wishesa are with you.

tag - former HS@MC teacher

Candice Weber

August 5, 2007

My sympathies to the Selleh Family
I worked with Mike at the Valley Indoor Swapmeet in Security...he was a great guy...very honest, compassionate and full of common sense and love for his family. I loved working with Mike! We will all miss him!
Candice Weber
LAPD

C. Jane Horton

August 5, 2007

Dear Barbara: My thoughts are with you & your family at this very difficult time of loss. I have a large shop at the Valley Indoor Swap Meet & Mike was one of the very nicest security guards there where he worked occasionally. When I heard today of the tragedy, I was very saddened. We also ran into you at Sinaloa Middle School events where Jessica attended, as did our granddaughter, Brooke. May you & your family find comfort in your treasured memories and your faith. Warm regards, Jane

Margaret Gonzalez

August 4, 2007

Selleh Family,

My heart goes out to you, May you find comfort in knowing how much he was loved by many. He was a patient of a doctor i work for, He was one patient i didnt mind seeing first thing in the morning. Barbara my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He will be missed.

David, Joyce & Scott Liske

August 4, 2007

Barbara, Scott & Jessie,
May your faith and friends be your "rock" to get you through your sorrow and loss. We share in your sorrow in the loss of a wonderful husband, father and individual.
With deepest regrets,
David, Joyce and Scott Liske

Deborah & Steven Petroff

August 4, 2007

Scott and family,
I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to your family. Hold deep in your heart all those special memories. Remember you always have a friend to turn to if needed.
God Bless you and your family.
Mrs Petroff and Steven

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