San Francisco Region - SCCA 
In Memory Of John Seidl

John's Candle

And the sky was filled with balloons

It is said that a man is measured not by what he does, but in how he influences those he comes in contact with.

John Seidl had a way of finding the silver lining in everything and everyone. The common thread of those who spoke at his memorial service on May 30 was the lasting impression he made. Family, friends, and co-workers all told stories about how John would make you reach a little higher, try a little harder, and strive to do a little more, even when you thought you'd done enough.

Anything John was involved in, be it raising his step-children, working on a fund raiser, helping someone who was in trouble or being a turnmarshal, he always left it better than he found it.

I first met John over 20 years ago and I had the honor to recall those times with the 100 plus people who gathered to recall their memories. I recall saying that when working for John on a turn he had a way of motivating you without being critical, so you tried harder to please him.

I also remember saying that John had a lot of friends and that it was a nice day for remembering John. The sky was blue with a scattering of clouds and from where I was standing it seemed the grass and park opened up for another road to adventure.

When all of the words were spoken and adventures recalled we were all given a purple baloon. Purple was John's favorite color. While some of John's favorite tunes were playing we let go of the baloons to let John's memory soar and begin a new adventure. And the sky was filled with purple baloons.

"I hope that each person in attendance today will remember some wonderful thing that John did for them. As you live your life I hope that you will be able to remember that small thing and pass it on to another human being. In this way John will continue to live forever in our hearts and in the hearts of those who were not fortunate to know him."

Donations can be made in John's memory to Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, 345 S. Halcyon, Arroyo Grande, Ca. 93420.

I didn't know John Seidel, but I know many like him. I never met him, but greeted many like him. I heard him speak at the start/finish line memorial for Bill Cartwright eariler this year. Among the first to speak, here was this guy who told the most interesting stories, just like all my racing friends. He spoke comfortably well, laughing and jestering, sometimes wildly. Gave us all a smile, and something to think about. A racer who loves life and competition, like so many I know. In but a few moments, his impression was indelibly left in my racing soul.

So long John, we'll meet again someday. Keep the candle lit, for when its time, the spirits will visit.

More info on the location of the memorial service:

The memorial srevice will be at 1PM Sat May 31 @ Mavis-Stoeffer(sp) Park in Ripon. The directions are: go south on highway 99 to the second Ripon exit(East Main). Turn left @ stop sign and the park should be right there.

Received from Bruce Brunner, 1504 hrs, 5/29/97

A memorial service is planned for this Saturday, May 31, at Mavis-Stouffer Park in Ripon at 1PM. As I get more details I'll post them.

Received from Bruce Brunner, 0921 hrs, 5/28/97

With deep regret, we have learned that long time club member John Seidl passed away Saturday, May 24, from a heart attack caused by a motorcycle accident two weeks ago. He was 57 years old; was a computer operations manager for Caltrans. John was chief of flags for SFR in the early seventies, and was a driver as well.

Karen Cantu passed along this information; she'll let us know about a memorial service later on.

Received from Grace Katagiri, 0851 hrs, 5/27/97

Email The Web Team to pass along your memory of John. We'll see that it makes it way to the family.