Robert L Seiler

Robert Seiler, a devoted husband and father who loved music and doing good work for the community, passed in his sleep comfortably in his home in Flat Rock, North Carolina, on January 5, 2022, surrounded by his children and his partner, Patricia Wells.

Robert was born in Louisville, KY, in April 1937, where he graduated from Atherton High School before graduating from Rice University in Texas. It was in Texas where he met his future wife, Barbara Breedlove, at a dance. Wooing her with a sarcastic comment, their love blossomed from there. They were married for 53 years before Barbara succumbed to cancer in 2014.

Robert and Barbara moved to Birmingham, AL, in 1967 when he was asked to open a new office for Meidinger & Associates. Living in Birmingham until Robert’s retirement in 1992, they headed to Saluda in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.

Robert was extremely active in his community and believed it was important to give back. He sang in the choir and served on various committees at St James Episcopal Church. He served on the Boards of Children and Family Resource Center and Four Seasons Foundation. He was also a big supporter of The Nature Conservancy, and was especially fond of trips to the Pine Butte Guest Ranch in Montana with his family.

A lover of music, Robert booked music at The Purple Onion in Saluda, NC, for over two decades and helped develop it into one of the best listening rooms in the area, booking both new and established artists. Robert also encouraged, mentored and funded many local emerging musicians. He was an active supporter of local music and WNCW.

It was the love of music that connected Robert and his partner, Patricia. Both of them loved live music (especially jazz) and played music almost daily with Patricia on drums and Robert on piano, often opening their doors and providing evening music to their neighbors during the COVID pandemic.  They played live at The Purple Onion on a couple of occasions.

Robert is survived by many loving family members, including – his partner, Patricia Wells, Martha and Richard Wynn, Michael and Marcia Seiler, Sarah Seiler and Bob Yonas, and four grandchildren – Scott, James, Anna and Kate, and his brother, David Seiler. He is predeceased by his elder brother, John (Jack) Seiler.

There will be a celebration of Robert’s life sometime in the Spring when pandemic concerns have lessened.

Donations in Robert’s memory can be made to:

Four Seasons Home Care Angel Fund, Four Seasons Foundation, 211 N.Main St., Hendersonville, NC 28792 or (www.fourseasonscfl.org/donations)

The North Carolina Chapter of The Nature Conservancy (www.nature.org)

The POP UP Pantry, PO Box 428, Saluda, NC 28773 (www.saludapantry.com)

The Medical Loan Closet of Henderson County, NC (medicalloancloset.org)

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