Condolences for Seddon Bennington

Seddon was helping us here in NE Pa. to bring a science center.A part of him lives here in the knowledge of things he has taught us.The project is still in progress. He told us that things take luck and timing, but to keep going ahead. Seddon also said things take the time that they take.Everything he taught us will not go to waste it continues to guide us. The loss here is felt deeply the best way to honor him is to continue till the project is a reality.The over 1 million people in our region deserve to be taught, educated an inspired. He loved the people here and the beautiful part of NE Pa where we live.Sorrow fills our hearts for his wonderful family.Please know Seddon lives in our thoughts here, his masterful teachings inspire us all.Regional Science Technology Discovery Center NE Pa.

Posted by: Susan Addoms - Luzerne, PA - friend Jun 13, 2010

Digital copy of photo at wedding of Ray & Maree Goldring 1971

Seddon at Ray & Maree Goldring's wedding at Cambridge in 1971. Photo belies the man he was to become.

Posted by: Ray Goldring - Castle Hill Jul 19, 2009

A digital copy of old B & W photo taken of Seddon at a northland beach by by Ray Goldring about 1968

Here is a digital copy of an old B & W photo taken at a northland beach by by Ray Goldring about 1968. Note the VW Terra in the background.

Posted by: Ray Goldring - Castle Hill Jul 19, 2009

I knew Seddon during his days as student in Auckland. He was staying at a friends flat in the city. I was drawn to him for his quietness and keen mind and recognised him as a fellow outsider looking for answers to the hard questions of our time. We spent many hours in quiet, lone places discussing philosophy and the ills of the then-known-world.

We invited him to our wedding and were delighted to see him arrive in his brown corduroy student jacket, no tie and great smile. (see photo)

Over the years our paths crossed infrequently. We visited and stayed with him and his family in Dunedin when he was curator at the early settlers museum.

We followed his progress as he ventured onto even greater projects around the world until his return to NZ and Tepapa. We visited him there a couple of times and had intended to be a more frequent visitor as my journeys to Wellington were increasing.

My last brief contact with him was last week when I sent him a note to change my email address to a new one. His last contact with me on the 10th was - "I'd look forward to that - will keep in touch. Off to the Tararuas this weekend-up to Kime hut if weather fine - Seddon"

He will be sorely missed by many - but he will leave and indelible hole in my life as my memory cherishes the exploration mind-journeys we undertook as we wandered into the mystical world of illusion and the shadowy realities of the human condition.

He died in a magical realm doing something he loved doing. He died peacefully with no pain. His mind numbed by the cold and duped into a false sense of warmth by hypothermia, he would have slipped slowly from us - at last at peace with his destiny.

He gave me the memories - I give him his freedom to wander amongst the stars.

Be at peace old friend - we'll meet again on the mountaintops of time.

Ray Goldring

Posted by: Ray Goldring - Castle Hill Jul 18, 2009

I had the wonderful opportunity to work under Seddon's direction for three years while he sat as the Director for the Carnegie Science Center in Pgh Pa, USA. I never did get sick of listening to him speak - I greatly enjoyed his wisdom and his wonderful accent! After my leaving CSC, Seddon helped supprt an exhibit idea I had and even video recorded his support for the idea. I was proud that he believed in the project, as the mission would help many youth to find their calling in life. Yesterday, as I heard the sad news, I immediately pulled out that video. Everything he said about encouraging kids to find their way to a well enjoyed life, reflected his own life. He always 'went for it'. What a great example of how to live....and
even pass from our sight. Seddon, thanks for teaching us all to live big! You have touched many of our hearts. I will remember you fondly! God bless and may a comforting peace surround your family knowing how you stayed true to your passions. (Life to certainly too short to live otherwise!) - Peace to your soul, love, Ellen (Douglas)

Posted by: Ellen Douglas - Youngstown, OH Jul 17, 2009

Such a sad loss. Seddon was my boss at Scitech and the memory of his encouragement, enthusiasm and support will always stay with me. Deepest sympathy to his family, friends and colleagues.

Posted by: Donna Weston - Perth, Australia Jul 15, 2009

Seddon - Your intellect, passion and curiosity are unmatched. Not only does Pittsburgh miss your leadership at the Carnegie Science Center but we have missed having our dinners and sharing great conversations. You will always hold a special place in our hearts along with Frances and the boys. Godspeed.
Teri and Damian Soffer

Posted by: Teri and Damian Soffer - Pittsburgh, PA Jul 15, 2009

Seddon - what a wonderful man. So intellegent, fun loving and charming. To Frances and the boys - my heart breaks for you. I remember our Christmas Eves together in Pittsburgh and your first baseball game. To his boys and granddaughter - he loved you very much. What a sad day. I'm sure Dave was waiting for him at the pearly gates.

Posted by: Nancy Paradise - Pittsburgh, PA Jul 15, 2009

Seddon - memories of carefree and happy days in Hanmer. The first boy to carry my books home from school. What a terrible loss to his family, friends, colleagues, New Zealand.

Posted by: Mary Tuder (nee Harrison) - Perth Jul 15, 2009

Seddon made an indelible imprint on cultural life in New Zealand and beyond. What an amazing intellect , matched by genuine humility and a love of life! His friendship as a fellow Museum Director a treasured gift forever.
Deepest sympathies are extended to his family and to the staff and volunteers at te Papa from all at Sovereign Hill, Ballarat , Australia

Posted by: Jeremy Johnson - Ballarat Jul 15, 2009