October 28, 1919 - February 10, 2009
Harold Seipwas born in Tuscola, IL to a large farm family. He won a four-year college scholarship because he had the highest grades of anyone in the Douglas County rural schools.
In 1942 he received a Bachelor of Education degree from Eastern Illinois University and taught high school science. In 1954 Harold was awarded one of the first Ford Foundation scholarships for science teachers and attended the University of Wyoming.
In 1955 he was a delegate to the 100th Anniversary of the YMCA in Paris. After a 1957 vacation in the Bay Area, he decided to stay here, and later received a degree in hotel management from San Francisco State U., and managed the Oxford and Roosevelt Hotels until his 1982 retirement.
A notable scholar, his hobbies included leatherwork, creating silver jewelry, and exquisitely decorated eggs. He was president of the Northern California Egg Association from 1981 to 1993. In 1988 he made a jewel box egg for the Sonoma Marin Fair, which won first prize and also placed at the California State Fair.
A true friend and mentor to many, he gave generously to every organization that he touched and won numerous awards for his volunteer services, including Prime Timers and New Leaf Outreach to Elders. In 2003 he received the Harry Hay Award at the Geezers Ball.
He is survived by a loving family including his sister, Helen Wirth, and brother, Wayne Seip, and numerous nieces and nephews. Harold requested that there be no funeral, and was feted on November 2, 2008, with a celebration of his life at the Prime Timers meeting.