Sometime ago,(probably more than I think), I visited the Beverly Hills Bridge Club on LaCienega without a partner. Fortunately, I was matched up with Seymour. During the course of the game, our conversation led to Seymour telling me he was a volunteer at Palms Elementary School, and lo and behold, he was a volunteer in the classroom of my daughter, Karen Marks. Needless to say, even before that moment of connection, I knew I was in the presence of a great man, and this coincidence only reinforced our immediate bonding. After the game, Seymour asked me how I thought we did, to which I replied, "probably somewhere in the middle." Then, again, lo and behold, Seymour with a big smile on his face, said, " We won!" Regrettably that was the first and only time we ever played together, but the memory of that evening is one I will cherish forever. There are, unfortunately, only a very few "Seymours" in this world and while we have lost his physical presence, his imprint on all "who have felt his mark" will live on forever in our memories.

Dearest Pine Family, I send my condolences to all of you on Seymour's passing. He was my partner for so many years at Palms. All the students were happy to work with him, have his undivided attention, and excel in their work because of his help. He brought me dictionaries that he had translated into English in the native language of my students. He actually handwrote the words for them in the books. He never wanted a student to feel left behind academically. He knew how much I appreciated his dedication, and I will always carry his sincerity in my heart. With fondness, Karen Marks, retired LAUSD