Father George Seidel, OSB, passed away after a life of extraordinary dedication to faith, scholarship, and service. A Benedictine monk, priest, philosopher, musician, and educator, he devoted more than fifty years to teaching philosophy at St. Martin’s University. Born in Tacoma, Washington, in 1932, he entered monastic life in 1952 and was ordained a priest in 1958. Throughout his academic career, he authored numerous books and articles, earning recognition as a respected scholar, particularly for his work on Martin Heidegger and German philosophy.
Father George’s intellectual curiosity led him across the world. He studied and conducted research in Rome, Toronto, Freiburg, Paris, Munich, Leuven, Berkeley, and Buenos Aires. His sabbaticals reflected a lifelong search for wisdom, including time spent studying Hinduism and Buddhism and living as a Buddhist monk in Thailand. Within his monastic community, he served in several leadership roles and contributed significantly to the renewal of Benedictine life in the United States.
Beyond his academic and religious achievements, Father George embraced life with remarkable energy and enthusiasm. He was an accomplished organist and jazz pianist, an avid mountain climber, a former boxer, and a generous blood donor who contributed more than 100 pints. Known for his wit and his love of storytelling, he often shared fables in his sermons. Remembered for his intellect, humility, and adventurous spirit, Father George leaves a lasting legacy in the hearts of his students, confreres, colleagues, and friends.