Memories of Robin Seaman

In memory of

Robin Seaman

Cupertino, CA, USA

January 9, 1950 - January 7, 2019

Jan 9, 1950 - Jan 7, 2019

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In memory of Robin Seaman

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Alexander Braun

2018, Westgate Neighborhood 4th of July block party.

Robin was the kind of person who became you best and oldest friend the moment you met her.

Kelly Stewart

Alexander Braun

We remember.

Ginny Mayer

A year has gone by without my dear friend. Her absence has overshadowed the holidays. I reflect every day on how much she was a part of my life, in all good ways, both trivial (advising me on what towels to buy) to serious (job-related decisions). Rest well, sweetheart, and my condolences, again, to all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to Benetech or the Santa Clara County Library District.

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Jessie Vanoli

2015

Miss you, Robin!

Laura Seaman

Ginny Mayer

Comments:

Scott Seaman

Thank you, Jessie. What a wonderful photo in a setting we all love. In front of the lit fireplace! Thank you, Jessie. What a wonderful photo in a setting we all love. In front of the lit fireplace! Thank you, Jessie. What a wonderful photo in a setting... Read more

Laura Seaman

Thank you Jessie! Thank you Jessie! Thank you Jessie!

Sol Rosenberg

How many people always made you smile and laugh whenever you met them - and you always walked away feeling better ?

Only Robin.

How many people can claim to have helped untold thousands of disabled people, bequeathing them the most invaluable gift of knowledge - and transforming an industry in a few short years?

Only Robin.

Laura Seaman

Ginny Mayer

Comments:

Scott Seaman

Sal, thank you for these two bookend qualities that we all appreciate in Robin. Sal, thank you for these two bookend qualities that we all appreciate in Robin. Sal, thank you for these two bookend qualities that... Read more

Alexander Braun

We miss her humor and blend of erudition. Her kind crosses one's path only once in a lifetime--if you are fortunate.

Alex & Eri Braun

Laura Seaman

Nicole Gnutzman

Shared a heart

Ginny Mayer

Comments:

Nicole Gnutzman

Today on the anniversary of Robin's passing, I am lighting a candle for her as I sit and reflect on our sweet... Read more Today on the anniversary of Robin's passing, I am lighting a candle for her as I sit and reflect on our sweet friendship. I miss... Read more Today on the anniversary of Robin's passing, I am lighting... Read more

Scott Seaman

Nicole, we are thinking of you and Robin today, and thank you for this wonderful note and reflection. I’ve... Read more Nicole, we are thinking of you and Robin today, and thank you for this wonderful note and reflection. I’ve spent the past days... Read more Nicole, we are thinking of you and Robin today, and... Read more

Nancy Erickson Goldie

Shared a heart

John Warren

As many others have commented, Robin was a shining light of passion, hope, and beauty in the world and in the world of books. I began to work with her immediately after she came to Benetech although we had met previously. At that time I had some understanding of accessibility and issues with books for people with print disabilities, but she expanded my horizons and awareness tremendously. She helped me to convince two publishers I worked with to submit books to Benetech. But more than this professional collaboration, she was always an open person and friend. I am very sorry I didn't see her for the past couple of years, but I certainly followed her work and she was an always will be an inspiration. One can only hope one leaves a positive legacy and impact and Robin's is one of the brightest stars in the firmament.

Scott Seaman

2019

Jim Fruchterman, Benetech Founder, has posted his remarks from Robin's celebration of life on a blogpost located at:

https://benetech.blogspot.com…

Julie Noblitt

Robin was one of the brightest lights I knew in my professional life, or anywhere. So positive, so energetic, so kind. She was never too busy to help make a new connection or support a colleague. A truly generous spirit with a wonderful sense of humor and endless compassion in her work. I miss her and will always think of her as the best colleague anyone could have.

Larry Montgomery

When I was in 3rd grade I became best friends with Scott. It was at that time, over 58 years ago, that I first met Robin. My early memories of Robin were all positive. She always had a smile on her face and treated me like one of the family. As the decades clicked by my observations continued. Though we did not see each other often, Robin always greeted me with open arms, kind words and a big hug. She made me feel special in a way few others did. Robin loved her brother so much and she treated me in a way that gave me that same feeling. I have never known a kinder soul. This world is a much better place because Robin lived among us.
Larry Montgomery

Laura Seaman

Clayton Lewis

Robin was a force for good, and for good feelings. A wonderful colleague on the Amazon Accessibility Advisory Council, and at Benetech. Her work lives on.

Trenise Pot

Let Robin's laughter and fun be a comfort to you as you work through your grief. She will be greatly missed and forever thought of in many positive ways.

Caring thoughts,
Trenises

John Loudon

As a longtime colleague of Robin @ Harper in SF, I always found her considerate & fun--somewhat a rarity in the publishing industry. She got along well with virtually everyone, a rare achievement.

Shannon Reid

Shared a heart

Scott Seaman

2015, United Arab Emirates

Robin winning over new friends in the UAE as she broadened her international reach

Comments:

Teresa Jenna

Yes, she brightened everyone up. That's why I was so comfortable having her meet my associates and trusting... Read more Yes, she brightened everyone up. That's why I was so comfortable having her meet my associates and trusting her to carry forward... Read more Yes, she brightened everyone up. That's why I was so... Read more

Jill Bauer

Granville Island, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Robin's winning smile

Comments:

Jill Bauer

Reading numerous shared memories of Robin really drives it home…to have known her was a real blessing to ... Read more Reading numerous shared memories of Robin really drives it home…to have known her was a real blessing to so many! My 2 brothers,... Read more Reading numerous shared memories of Robin really drives... Read more

Elaine Ober

Robin was the best collaborator ever. She was generous with her time, her knowledge, her support, her probing questions, and her killer humor and infectious laugh. I feel privileged to have known her and honored to have worked with her. She had a gift for making even the most ordinary things wonderful. And she used the word "gobsmacked" with ease. I'm still in disbelief that she is gone.

Julie Noblitt

Teresa Jenna

Shared a heart

Ashley Sison

2018

Laura's Birthday Gathering ❤️

Andrea Schneider

I met Robin through her brother Scott. I wanted to meet her because she was so accomplished, inventive and blazing new paths with her work and her leadership.
She made time for us to meet up in Palo Alto, share some food and what she was doing with books 📚 around the world. We had a great talk and her thought and energy resonate with me today.
I am very sad to hear she passed away. I know her vital energy is with us, just in a different way.
Much love to the Seaman Family.

Andrea Schneider

June Christensen Casey

I was so sorry to read about Robin Seaman passing away. How sad. Too young and vital. I knew Annette and Robert Seaman when they lived in the little house behind Cowper Court. My parents, The Christensen's, were their landlords and I was going to Paly High School. Mr. Seaman worked at the radio station next to the President Hotel. I can still see him there talking into the big microphone. Annette and I became reacquainted MANY years later and sent

Christmas cards for some time. We would run into each other now and then. This was after I was married and had kids of my own. I could alway spot Annette because she was so pretty and had beautiful blue eyes. She always seemed to remember me, too. My deepest sympathy to you Scott and your family.

Kristina Pappas

I worked with Robin at IDG Books in the 90s, and again at Benetech for 4 years. She was always full of energy, upbeat, outgoing - I was lucky to know and work with her. It's obvious from the outpouring of affection and memories here that she touched many lives. I'm sorry I won't be able to attend the memorial service, but I send love and best wishes to her family and friends. May you find comfort and strength in your memories.

Bill Kasdorf

Everybody loved Robin.

We all want to be that person, right? The person everybody loves?

Robin's secret: she didn't have to try. She loved everybody. (Except those she didn't.)

I've loved my wife for five decades, and I love her today to distraction, but--wait, where was I going with that? [ ;) a little joke Robin would have loved]--oh yeah, Robin.

Like so many of us, I loved Robin. I have her lovely moon face in my heart. I crank her laugh up whenever I need it.

Bye, Robin. Stay with me.