Richard D. Seifert

Richard Dana Seifert, born in Boston on July 3, 1946, died the way he wished­asleep on his red recliner at home, watching television-Friday morning, January 26, 2024. Those of you who knew him understand what an enigmatic, remarkable character he was. 

Rick served in the Marine Corps in Vietnam, taught at Bonds-Wilson High School in South Carolina, counseled at Youth and Family Services in Oklahoma, and practiced psychology and behaviorism at the Southern Oklahoma Resource Center. These are but a few of the service-related things he did, of which he was rightfully proud. 

But he also was a stuntman ("Miami Vice," "Twister," "The Presidio") and a well­known karate sensei. Karate and its values were primary in his life: He earned numerous black belts, ran dojos, and until his death was still active in a karate class in Oklahoma City. Over the years, he was the sensei for some of his oldest and closest friends. 

Rick remained true to most of his values. He was supportive of his friends. He was a minimalist, with two pairs of shorts, three pairs of jeans, a few pairs of well­worn shoes, some tee shirts, a jacket, and a hoodie. No hey day for Goodwill here. 

Perhaps his truest love in life was cigarettes. His life was built around ten-to­eleven-minute smoking segments. And his smoking, along with Agent Orange, is what contributed to his death. 

Richard was married to Liz for two decades. He is survived by her; by his brother Jim and wife Liliana; by his two stepsons, Peter and Jason Wert; and by his tuxedo cat, Chesty Puller. 

There cannot be too many men such as he. He made an impact on this world. So long, Rick. Semper fi. 

If you wish to contribute in Rick's honor, he would have chosen the Dale K Graham Veterans Foundation in Norman. 

A memorial service will be held February 17, 2024 at Paradigm Church, 4301 Country Club Terrace, Norman, OK at 11:00 a.m. Tell a funny story, if you wish!