Michael Kirkpatrick Seely (1936 - 2012)
Michael Kirkpatrick Seely, 76, of Ventura, and Lanikai, Hawaii, was a teacher, poet, father, grandfather, caregiver, tennis player, and good friend. He was a creative, strong, and generous man. Even in the final days of his life, he inspired those around him to be courageous, to remember to laugh, and to keep it simple. On September 13, 2012, he died peacefully following complications from cancer and pneumonia. He was in the presence of his children and a dear friend.
Born in Denver in 1936, Mike spent most of his childhood and adult years in Southern California.
He graduated from Lynwood High School in 1955, studied literature at the University of Southern California at Santa Barbara, and, from 1965 to 1994, held faculty and dean positions at Ventura and Moorpark Colleges.
Upon retirement, Mike relocated to Hawaii to care for his mother, Marjorie McKinley, whom he helped live to the age of 101.
Mike is survived by five children, Michelle Seely Lang of Los Angeles, Nancy Theofrastous of Chardon, Ohio, Joseph Michael Lillie Seely of Los Angeles, Jennifer Seely Hamburg of South Lake Tahoe, and Tessah Michaela Schoenrock of Ventura; five grandchildren, Garretson Lang, Eleanore Langknecht, Petr Colwell, Whitman Michael Theofrastous, and Miles Seely Hamburg; one brother, Anthony Seely of Heath, Texas; extended family members who were as fond of him as he was of them; and a long list of friends in California and Hawaii.
Mike's life will be honored and celebrated with three services: a memorial service hosted by family and friends on Saturday, October 20, from 9 to 11 a.m. in Guthrie Hall on the Ventura College campus (RSVP to John Woolley, jwools@sbcglobal.net or 407-4800); a private burial next to his first love, Diana, at a family grave site in Clements; and a memorial service in Lanikai, Hawaii, on December 29, 2012.
In June of last year, Mike set up an endowed scholarship at Ventura College in memory of Diana Lillie Seely. Following his excellent model, his children have established a similar scholarship to support students of poetry.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Michael K. Seely Memorial Scholarship. You may do so by sending a check to Ventura College Foundation Office, 4667 Telegraph Rd., Ventura, Calif. 93003, calling Anna Benscoter at Ventura College (654-6400, ext. 3152), or going to: www.venturacollege.edu/departments/administrative/foundation.
Safe travels Mikey! We will miss you. We will remember you. We love you. A hui hou . .
Published in Ventura County Star from October 14 to October 17, 2012
Michael K. Seely
Sept. 13, 2012
Michael K. Seely, 76, of Lani¬kai, a teacher and poet, died in Hospice Hawaii Kailua House. He was born in Denver. He is survived by son Joseph M.L.; daughters Michelle S. Lang, Nancy Theofrastous, Jennifer S. Hamburg and Tessah M. Schoenrock; brother Anthony; and five grandchildren. Services, paddle out and reception: 10 a.m. Dec. 29 at Lanikai Park. Casual attire. No flowers. Donations suggested to Ventura College Michael K. Seely Memorial Scholarship, 805-654-6400, ext. 3152.
Published in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser (HI) - Friday, December 21, 2012
[Great-great-grandson of SGS # 3141- Michael Kirkpatrick; Garretson; Everett S.; Simon Franklin; Abijah (# 3141); Thomas (# 1348); Abijah; John S.; Obadiah; Obadiah; Obadiah]
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