1948
William
2013
William Hughes Seewald
May 2, 1948 — September 14, 2013
William Hughes Seewald was born May 2, 1948. He was the son of Hughes Seewald and Katherine Lynn Seewald. He graduated from Tascosa High School in 1966, and then attended the University of Arizona at Tucson.
While studying architecture at the University of Texas at Austin he had the opportunity to work on the historical restoration of the Texas State Capitol. He had an enduring passion and much talent at restoring historic buildings. Until the week of his death he was still actively involved in preserving historic structures in Amarillo. He wrote the histories of important landmarks in Amarillo.
He was a master carpenter, a talented contractor and designer. He worked on both residential and commercial projects, including the famous Austin restaurant Jeffrey’s. He was in the process of restoring an 1850’s house in New Orleans.
William was a prolific writer, contributing to the Amarillo Globe-Times and then the Amarillo Independent, and he was a fearless advocate for civil liberties and environmental protections. William lent his talents to numerous causes over his lifetime. William took over the High Plains Civil Liberties Union in 1983. He held that position for several years and then served on the Texas Civil Liberties Board. In 1991 he ran the TCLU during a period of transition. He served on the Planned Parenthood Foundation Board in 2000 and 2001 and was the president of Coalition for Choice. He was very active in the Potter/Randall Democratic Party. He was also a staunch supporter of many different environmental causes. He was the president of STAND (Serious Texans Against Nuclear Dumping,) He supported the Peace Farm and served on the Pantex Citizen’s Advisory Board. He was an active supporter of Equality Texas, and a long-time supporter of the Santa Fe Opera.
As one old friend said, “Seewald had a heart as big as Texas.” His enthusiasm and intellect will be missed by friends and colleagues. Many friends remember his generosity and kindness. He went out of his way to help people in need.
He is survived by his loving sister, Nancy Louise Seewald, and nephew, Jacob Seewald McKinney and his wife Beth. He is also survived by his partner, Yismel Rojas del Castillo.
A small private family burial service will be held Saturday, September 21st. A gathering of William’s many friends and loved ones is planned for Oct. 5th to celebrate his life. Please contact the family for details.
While studying architecture at the University of Texas at Austin he had the opportunity to work on the historical restoration of the Texas State Capitol. He had an enduring passion and much talent at restoring historic buildings. Until the week of his death he was still actively involved in preserving historic structures in Amarillo. He wrote the histories of important landmarks in Amarillo.
He was a master carpenter, a talented contractor and designer. He worked on both residential and commercial projects, including the famous Austin restaurant Jeffrey’s. He was in the process of restoring an 1850’s house in New Orleans.
William was a prolific writer, contributing to the Amarillo Globe-Times and then the Amarillo Independent, and he was a fearless advocate for civil liberties and environmental protections. William lent his talents to numerous causes over his lifetime. William took over the High Plains Civil Liberties Union in 1983. He held that position for several years and then served on the Texas Civil Liberties Board. In 1991 he ran the TCLU during a period of transition. He served on the Planned Parenthood Foundation Board in 2000 and 2001 and was the president of Coalition for Choice. He was very active in the Potter/Randall Democratic Party. He was also a staunch supporter of many different environmental causes. He was the president of STAND (Serious Texans Against Nuclear Dumping,) He supported the Peace Farm and served on the Pantex Citizen’s Advisory Board. He was an active supporter of Equality Texas, and a long-time supporter of the Santa Fe Opera.
As one old friend said, “Seewald had a heart as big as Texas.” His enthusiasm and intellect will be missed by friends and colleagues. Many friends remember his generosity and kindness. He went out of his way to help people in need.
He is survived by his loving sister, Nancy Louise Seewald, and nephew, Jacob Seewald McKinney and his wife Beth. He is also survived by his partner, Yismel Rojas del Castillo.
A small private family burial service will be held Saturday, September 21st. A gathering of William’s many friends and loved ones is planned for Oct. 5th to celebrate his life. Please contact the family for details.
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