Pat Seery

George Patrick “Pat” Seery, 73, died January 29, 2017 of progressive dementia at his home in Tallahassee, Florida. He was born March 16, 1943, to Marybel Fischer and George Patrick Seery. He grew up in Belen, New Mexico, surrounded by extended family. After completing his B.A. from Stanford University, Pat served in the Peace Corps in Venezuela. He subsequently received his master’s degree in Religion from Florida State University. As a graduate student, Pat served as a counselor on the FSU Florence and London Study Abroad Programs. In 1972, Pat founded Grassroots Free School in Tallahassee, Florida; his life’s work for over 40 years. During that time, he moonlighted as a DUI Instructor for the State of Florida. Pat has been a member of the Grassroots Community since its inception in 1982. You may also remember him from the Tallahassee Peace Coalition, FSU Alumni Village Fruit and Vegetable Co-op, Gulf Winds Track Club Sunday Fun Runs, or drumming with the African Caribbean Dance Theatre. Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Tandy Hodge Seery; his three children, Lora, Geo, and Hope; his brothers Kent, Doug & Patti, and Dick & Julie; nieces and nephews and their families; and friends too numerous to name. He was preceded in death by his brother, Stephen. Always the instructor, Pat left us with these words: “ ‘Practice Dying’ – Plato Wishes Upon My Death, if survivors don’t mind: - No Flowers (except hand picked): Those bought ones are being grown on the best soil in countries that aren’t feeding their own people (‘still preachin’ & he’s dead!!’) - Donations to: o Tax-Resisters Penalty Fund o Oxfam o Plenty o Conscience & Military Tax Campaign o Not to Grassroots School: My wish is that people support Grassroots because it is Grassroots and not because of me. - Any usable part of my ‘ole bod to anyone living who can use it; the rest to science or a med school that recruits minorities - A song fest featuring the songs of peace & social justice & freedom & ecology - An ice cream event for decadence; heavy on the coffee ice cream/frozen yogurt - No testimonials that don’t include my hypocrisy - West- African drumming to honor the ancestors Affirm one another!! - Pat“ A send-off celebration, in keeping with Pat’s wishes, will occur at 11:00am on Monday, February 6 at the American Legion Hall, 229 Lake Ella Drive, Tallahassee, FL.

Tributes

Pat Seery

March 16, 1943 - January 29, 2017