Michael Douglas Seelye: Husband, father, educator, coach, and pillar of his community, Michael Douglas Seelye passed away peacefully on January 22, 2025, after a courageous battle with dementia. Born June 28, 1944, in Colorado to Melvin and Martha Seelye.
Michael and his younger sister, Kathy, grew up in Hutchinson, Kansas, before moving to California at the age of 16. Michael’s passion for education was felt by all who knew him. He pursued his own path in education, receiving a Bachelor of Arts from Sacramento State University in 1966 and a Master’s in Anthropology from the University of Hawaii in 1969. While in Hawaii, Michael participated in an archaeological dig at Iolani Palace, where his photo is still featured in a museum exhibit. His 30- year career as a professor began in 1970 at San Joaquin Delta Community College in Stockton. During his time at Delta, he taught Anthropology, later adding Economics after earning his second master’s in economics from the University of the Pacific in the mid-1980s. Michael’s drive to learn and his passion for education led him to meet his wife, Lynda. The two were married on August 25, 1972, after meeting through mutual friends. Building their life together in Manteca, Michael and Lynda were blessed with two children, Matthew (1978) and Kathryn (1982). Michael was actively involved in his children’s lives, often visiting their schools to showcase the art and beauty of Hopi and Navajo tribal dancing, rituals, and history. He was also active in the Manteca Area Soccer League, serving as both a coach for his children and treasurer of the league.
In his community, Michael served for several years on the Manteca Unified School District Board, including a term as its president. Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout as a young man, like his grandfather before him, Michael later became a scoutmaster. As a scoutmaster, he guided young men in earning ranks within the Boy Scouts of America, including the Order of the Arrow and Eagle Scout. Additionally, he was an active member of his church, St. Paul’s United Methodist, serving on various committees, supporting the preschool, and contributing in many other ways. Firmly believing in the transformative power of education, Michael held that everyone should pursue learning- whether through attending college or learning a trade. Michael embraced knowledge and was always willing to support others in their dreams and ambitions. To Michael, education strengthened the community, broadening horizons and enabling the art of the possible.
Michael is survived by his wife, Lynda; his son, Matthew Seelye (wife Mandi); his daughter, Kathryn Seelye; his grandsons, Grant and Derek Seelye; and his niece, Traci Pettit.
Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Martha Seelye, and his sister, Kathy Harris.
A service to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Michael Douglas Seelye will be hosted by his family and closest friends at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 910 E. North Street in Manteca on March 14th, at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to any of the following organizations: Delta College Foundation Attn: President’s Office 5151 Pacific Ave. Stockton, CA 95207 (A form must be downloaded to send in.) Museum of Northern Arizona https:// musnaz.org/ (Click on “Support” to donate.) Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz. org/ (Click on “Donate.”) Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin Wednesday, February 5, 2025
