Obituary: Seddon, Malcom And Virginia
He died peacefully at home after a brave fight with the disease on his own terms.
His beloved wife, Virginia Seddon, followed him sixty hours later, passing on July 19, 2013 at Kootenai Medical Center from an infection.
Born in Los Angeles on September 6, 1929 to Alfred and Euphemia Seddon, Malcolm entered the workforce at an early age.
He shined shoes for World War II soldiers, worked in a shoe factory, and did whatever he could to support his family.
This strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to his family continued throughout his life.
Virginia was born on November 27, 1934 to Woodfin and Juanita Melson in San Francisco.
Virginia moved frequently as a child, but her fondest memories were her time spent in Humboldt County in Northern California.
After graduation from Eureka High School, Virginia moved to Los Angeles where she worked as an administrative assistant and was active as a camp counselor and marching band member in The Salvation Army.
Malcolm and Virginia met in Los Angeles and married in Las Vegas in 1960.
Malcolm was employed by the City of Los Angeles, starting as a gardener in Los Angeles’ Griffith Park.
During this time, he indulged his love of music by regularly attending jazz shows at the Lighthouse CafĂŠin Hermosa Beach, California.
Malcolm appreciated all types of music, and his favorites included Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, Neil Young, The Allman Brothers, and Ben Harper.
Malcolm continued to work with passion and commitment, gaining skills and certifications as a journeyman carpenter, mechanic, cabinetmaker, and efficiency and best practices expert.
After their children, Steve and Jill, were born, Virginia continued to work on a freelance basis out of the family home.
Virginia was a sought after transcriptionist, legal assistant, editor and ghostwriter.
She was a voracious reader, quick witted, and articulate.
She loved to sing and play guitar for her children, and she created a home filled with love, acceptance, and humor.
To say that Virginia was a doting mother would be an understament - she would drop everything to help with homework, tend to a crisis, or make a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup.
Virginia put others before herself, was supremely intuitive, and had great sympathy for those less fortunate than her.
After Malcolm’s retirement in 1979 at age 50, the family moved from Glendale, California to Coeur d’Alene.
Malcolm and Virginia embraced living in North Idaho.
Malcolm loved the outdoors and took pride in his home and tending to his large vegetable garden and orchard.
He enjoyed snowmobiling at Fourth of July Pass, riding his motorcycle, fishing on Lake Coeur d’Alene, and camping at Luby Bay at Priest Lake.
Virginia enjoyed floating on Lake Pend Oreille, rainy days on the patio with her West Highland terrier, playing games, and trips to the library, park, and Higgins Point with Malcolm and her grandchildren.
Malcolm and Virginia traveled extensively during their retirement, including camping on the California, Oregon, and Washington coasts and vacations throughout the United States and Europe.
Malcolm and Virginia cherished time with their children and grandchildren, good food, and good wine.
They loved family barbecues at home, meals at Villagio, their son’s restaurant, and regular Friday breakfasts with the grandchildren at Michael D’s.
Malcolm and Virginia leave behind their children and grandchildren: Steve Seddon, wife Cannies and children Faith and Cole of Spokane; and Jill Seddon Young, husband Brian, and grandchildren Aidan and Olin.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Malcolm and Virginia’s caregivers Dave and Teri Marshall and Debbie Dial of Marshall Manor, and Jill’s friends and colleagues at the Idaho Infant Toddler Program.
A celebration honoring their lives will be held at the home of Brian and Jill Young on Sunday, August 18.
Please email papagigi2@gmail.com to RVSP.
Malcolm will always be remembered for his work ethic, intellect, brutal honesty, and sense of humor; Virginia for her generosity, wit, wisdom and compassion.
To honor the joys in Malcolm’s and Virginia’s lives - read a good book, hug your children, and tip back a pint of Guinness.
Bell Tower Funeral Home has been entrusted with the final arrangements.
An online memorial is available at www.Belltowerfuneralhome.com.