Memory Posting for Seth Willenson
It was a “fix up,” as we used to call it in the spring of 1977. Seth was working out of New York for Films Inc. in Chicago, and I was a program advisor for student activity boards at the University of Wisconsin. Kate McCauley of Films Inc. made the introduction and nudged us together at one of the many National Entertainment Conferences (NEC) we attended.
We dated long distance for over a year before we moved into Seth’s apartment on 83rd and WEA. While I was looking for a starting position in advertising, Seth was both mentor and matchmaker, encouraging and introducing me to anyone he could think of in his work orbit who touched on the advertising profession. Not long after, Seth’s cousin Raymond introduced me to the woman who helped me attain a management trainee position at Ted Bates Advertising, resulting in my enjoying a long and creative career in that field. I think Seth was prouder of me than my family.
One of my favorite memories of Seth in Wisconsin was driving on the backroads of Wisconsin in my red 1969 BMW 2000. A monster of a Midwest thunderstorm came roaring down on us just as the windshield wipers failed. Rather than wait it out, we each stuck our heads out of our respective windows and called out directions to keep from heading into a ditch. Wet but resolute, we slowly worked our way to a gas station. Fear followed by laughter.
I also have many fond memories of my time with Seth in New York: Evenings at the Bottom Line with Dennis Harrap, Cuban-Chinese dinners with Eliot and Mimi, and long walks in the park along Riverside Drive. Seth had many longtime friends and I was fortunate: When our four-year relationship ended, our friendship stayed strong.
Over the years, Seth continued rooting for my career, first sending me articles on advertising and then, when I switched to economic development for the City of San Francisco where I have lived for the past 33 years, sending me emails on the “rabid and messy progressive politics of the City.” Seth was never shy about stating his POV or challenging me to defend mine, especially those that pertained to the age-old argument of which city is better - San Francisco or Los Angeles.
Seth and Claire attended my wedding in 1989. I was invited to theirs. My family and I were touched that they came, as Seth had been a part of my family’s celebrations during our four years together. I am grateful to Claire for all those years of Christmas cards and keeping me informed and encouraging Seth to contact me this past year.
Sometimes you have people in your life who believe in you a little more than you do at a crucial juncture. For me, that was Seth.
“What though the radiance which was once so bright Be now for ever taken from my sight, Though nothing can bring back the hour Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower, We will grieve not, rather find Strength in what remains behind; In the primal sympathy Which having been must ever be; In the soothing thoughts that spring Out of human suffering; In the faith that looks through death, In years that bring the philosophic mind”.
by William Wordsworth
So touching. So real. So Seth.