By Larry Clinton, Sausalito Historical Society
PHOTO FROM SHARON SEYMOUR
Rick Seymour enjoying life in Sausalito
Native son Rick Seymour passed away at home in Sausalito on January 30. He had been battling health issues until he was brought home the day before. He will be remembered as a Renaissance man, with many passions and talents.
As Steefenie Wicks wrote in this paper in 2017, “Rick Seymour has lived in Sausalito most of his life. No matter where he traveled, he always returned to the place he calls his inspiration, Sausalito.” In her column, which can be found at https://www.sausalitohistoricalsociety.com, Steefenie relates how, as a boy walking on foggy Bridgeway, Ric was hailed by a voice offshore. Rick yelled back “Hello.” Then came the voice again yelling, “What ship is that?” and Rick yelled back “It’s no ship! I’m delivering the morning papers.” Then he heard with some concern,” Oh no! Reverse engines! Reverse engines!” As Steefenie put it, “Only this attentive paperboy stopped the shipwreck from happening.”
Rick became an expert at treating drug addiction while working at the Haight Ashbury Free Medical Clinics for 34 years. With founder Dr. David Smith and other staff medical experts, he co-authored 11 books on substance abuse treatment and community medicine. He is recognized in Who’s Who as a recipient of the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award.
I got to know Ric and his wife Sharon through our volunteer efforts at the Sausalito Historical Society. Rick was at every event, often serving in the indispensable position of bartender. Sharon was secretary of the Historical Society Board for many years and is still active as a researcher, with a keen knowledge of the Society’s archives. Rick was a genial host, happy to share stories from Sausalito’s past, including his personal relationship with luminaries such as actor/writer Sterling Hayden, poet/playwright Brendan Behan, recording artist Gale Garnett, novelist Evan S. Connell, restauranteur/mayor Sally Stanford, and many local habitues of the no name bar and other Sausalito hangouts. Rick also wrote historic columns for this newspaper ,including one on early days of the Haight-Ashbury Free Clinics, which can also be found on the SHS site.
My wife Jane and I were pleased to see Rick and Sharon at Historical Society functions, Jazz and Blues by the Bay and at events sponsored by Sausalito Village, where they were founding members. Rick served on the non-profit’s Board of Directors and coordinated its memoir writing group.
After retirement in 2007, he continued to pursue his love of writing and authored five mysteries, the latest being “Murder on the Dock of the Bay,” set in the floating homes community. I was happy to proofread the manuscript, especially when I discovered I was a character in it! The book is on sale at Sausalito Books by the Bay.
Rick is remembered fondly by his many friends and colleagues. In the words of Historical Society President Jerry Taylor: “As a long-time resident, he was a participant, observer, and chronicler of Sausalito's ever-changing scene.”