A Tribute To Julie Seiler

Kroka’s teacher Julie Seiler died of complications
from breast cancer on December 27, 2006 at the age of 36.

Julie has been a loved member of Kroka community for five years. She came to Kroka after leaving behind her law career as a lead kayak instructor. She fell in love with wilderness living and actively taught in all aspects of the school. We all loved Julie for her contagious enthusiasm, humorous and happy outlook on life, integrity and strength of character. Julie was real and fully present in life. She gave her heart to her students and they responded with respect and passion for learning. Julie’s combination of exceptional paddling skills and human qualities made her a wonderful role model in adventure sports and life. Julie lived with her partner Karen Richardson in Fredericksburg, Virginia, in a beautiful tiny red house that she and Karen rebuilt. Julie became a published writer of personal essays and earned a fellowship at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts. Julie also guided for Women’s Wilderness Institute in Colorado, leading breast cancer survivors.

On January third, I traveled to Virginia for Julie’s Memorial Service with Miron Golfman and Rochelle Garfinkel (Kroka’s former director of operations). The service was planned by Julie herself, in an unmistakable “Julie” style. It was held in Purina Chow Animal Feed Tower, filled with Christmas lights, candles, slide show of Julie’s life, her kayak, birch baskets she made, cookies and sweets of all sorts. It was a true celebration of her life, just like she wanted it. I was privileged to meet Julie’s family, including her sister, Lisa Lovejoy; her parents, retired COL Dennis and Leslie Seiler, her beloved dog, Maggie and Julie and Karen’s large and special circle of Love. Julie loved spending time with her four nieces and nephews, Sarah, Joe, Hannah and Danny Lovejoy, and gave a part of herself to each of them individually. I have heard many of Julie’s wonderful friends and family speak, sing and recite poetry. I learned of Julie’s many talents as a blacksmith, carpenter, musician, bike messenger, political activist, loving aunt, daughter and partner. I was touched by how much the Kroka community has meant to Julie. Throughout her writings and memories, she leaves an important place for Kroka. This gives me an inspiration and a sense of duty to continue my work. Julie had asked to be cremated and packages of her ashes were taken by friends and family to be spread over special places on Earth. Leaving Fredericksburg, we stood with Karen by the rapids of Julie’s beloved Rappahannock River. We hope that Karen will be able to join Kroka next summer. Julie’s short journey on Earth is a testimony to a human being in search of a path of personal freedom, meaning and purpose.

On the last day of her life Julie wrote a beautiful letter to the Kroka Community. It was her last written word. In her letter Julie is asking us to honor her Kroka Experiences by establishing a scholarship. With this letter I am announcing the Julie Seiler Memorial Scholarship. It will be given annually to a female student to attend Kroka. In order to fulfill Julie’s wish, please make donations to Kroka in her name.

Julie’s selected writings are posted here.

If you wish to send your love and support to Karen Richardson, you can write to her at 1708 Washington Ave, Fredericksburg, VA, 22401

–Misha Golfman