Former Glencoe Resident Rick Seltzer Passed Away at Age 66

Ricky Seltzer was born in Chicago on July 19, 1944, to Fred and Amy Seltzer.  He grew up in Glencoe, Illinois, attended The University of Iowa and earned his JD at Northwestern University School of Law graduating summa cum laude. He lived in Glencoe until he was 34.

Rick and his wife Janet were married for 30 years.  He had 4 kids: Andy, Wendy, Katie and Joey.  The family  moved to Albany in 1984, and have lived in the same home every since.  Katie & Joey attended Albany Preschool, Marin School, AMS and AHS.  Older brother Andy also attended AHS.  Wendy attended school at Santa Barbara High School in Santa Barbara, Ca.

Rick worked as a trial lawyer since the birth of his first son, Andy, over 40 years ago.  He dedicated his life and law practice to helping those who could not help themselves, and was well-known and respected in the Chicago and SF Bay Area law communities, as well as among his friends and family.

Outside of work and family, Rick loved being in the outdoors, hiking, camping, running, basketball and baseball.  Another passion of his was music, the  love of which he learned from his mother, Amy Seltzer, who was a music teacher and classical pianist.  His children share his love of music, and impromptu jam sessions could often be heard coming from the Albany home he shared with Janet and their children.  Rick was a spiritual seeker, and could often be found reading works by an eclectic group of spiritual teachers, such as Ramanah Maharshi, Eckhart Tolle, Thich Nhat Hanh, Sogyal Rinpoche, and many, many others.  He lived his life in the spirit of love and compassion.  One of his favorite quotes was from the teachings of the Dalai Lama:  "My religion is simple.  My religion is kindness."  He tried his very best, right up until the end, to live his life in the spirit of compassion.

About two years ago, Rick was diagnosed with a rare and very serious condition called Cardiac Amyloidosis.   He fought it bravely for two years, and passed away on Wednesday, January 12.  He will be sorely missed by all who loved him.

All are invited to remember Ricky at a memorial service on January 24, 2011 at 2 p.m. at the Northbrae Community Church, located at 941 The Alameda, in Berkeley, California.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making donations to the Seva Foundation, www.seva,org, a foundation that for more than 30 years has served people around the world who are struggling for health, cultural survival and sustainable communities.