Johann Georg Seka was born on May 22, 1936, in Gratz, Austria, and died on February 18, 2024, in Berkeley, California. Georg’s childhood was marked by World War II and the terrible situation in his home country. When he was a young adult he chose to leave Europe thanks to a job offer from Boeing in Seattle. He moved to the US with little more than the shirt on his back.
Georg eventually found his way to the Bay Area and immediately knew he never wanted to leave. He attended UC Berkeley Law School, graduating Phi Beta Kappa in the 1960’s. Shortly thereafter he joined Townsend, Townsend & Crew, where he served as a celebrated patent and trademark attorney for more than 50 years. With a strong work ethic, an enthusiasm for the law, and a gift for handling clients, he quickly rose through the ranks to become a partner at the firm. He had truly found his calling.
Georg met Buldan Oner in 1964. Originally from Istanbul, Buldan was in the Bay Area helping her sister with a new baby. After a short courtship, the two married in San Francisco’s City Hall, began their long shared life together as immigrants in this new land, and eventually had two daughters, Melissa and Leyla. With no nearby relatives, the family of four acted as a team to build a successful life in the United States. Buldan and Georg were proud of their heritages and worked hard to instill strong cultural values in their children.
Georg’s dry humor knew no bounds. He could often be heard laughing in the backyard with his grandchildren, whom he loved with all his heart. He also loved skiing, even working for the ski patrol at the 1960 Olympics in Squaw Valley. He lived the American Dream and never stopped striving to make a stable life for himself and his family. He will be sorely missed.
Georg is survived by his wife of 60 years Buldan, daughters Melissa and Leyla, son-in-law Josh Harris, grandchildren Max Wilson, Phaedra Wilson, Leo Harris, and Lex Harris, and brothers Otto Seka and Wolf Seka.
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