Richard Frank Seiler Sr., Ph.D.

1930 - 2019

Richard Frank

Seiler, Sr., Ph.D.

Richard Seiler, Sr., 88, of Seattle, Washington, passed away Saturday, June 22, 2019, surrounded by close family. Born September 14, 1930 in Galesburg, Illinois, he was the son of the late Col. Frank J. and Marguerite C. Seiler.

Richard is survived by Helen Seiler, his second wife of 35 years. He is preceded in death by his brothers James and Jerome, and his first wife of 38 years, Janet Virginia Seiler with whom he had 4 children, Katherine Galagan (Joseph) of Seattle, WA; Richard F. Seiler, Jr. (Debbie) of Sequim, WA; Gretchen Haskins (Paul), of Curdridge, England; and Mary Melen (Henrik), of Frisco, TX. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren; 1 beloved great-granddaughter; 3 stepchildren, David, Loretta and Gary Lanz, and their spouses, children and grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard had a distinguished career, including serving as a pilot in the US Air Force during the Korean War, and achieving his Ph.D. in Physics from The Ohio State University. He worked for Boeing in Seattle for over 25 years and was Chief of the Physics Department.

Growing up in a family of three brothers, he loved sports and, in particular, was an excellent golfer and basketball player. He was president of the Meridian Valley Country Club in Kent, WA; some called him the medicine man for the excellent advice he would give to help others with their golf technique.

His sharp intellect, storytelling and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him. No memorial service is planned on his request. Our thanks to Karin Madwed, MD for her many years of care, and to the staff at the Summit. Remembrances may be directed to the American Heart Association.

May he rest in peace and know that he was loved by his family and those whom his life touched.