Remembering Shelley

A good friend and mentor passed away this past week. Sheldon Seevak died of a heart attack on Aug. 18. He was 78. He was my friend Alison's dad. We met while Alison and I were attending Duke more than 25 years ago. Over the years, whenever Alison had a family gathering, like a graduation or birthday - and we happened to be living in the same city, which was more often than not - Shelley and I would catch up.

He loved traveling and was energized by young people with fresh ideas. He expressed a sincere interest in my adventures and projects. He was a great listener and when asked for advice, his responses were alway thoughtful and wise.

He embraced technology. And as I moved from journalism into the world of high-tech business, he made it clear to me that he was just a phone call or email away. As the founder of Goldman Sach's real estate division, Shelley had a wealth of experience behind him. As my ventures grew in size and risk, he was there for me, with advice, financial backing and at one point even stepping in as chairman of one of the companies when we hit turbulent times. Even then, he remained thoughtful and calm.

I was fortunate to be able to spend a little time with Shelley this spring. He was in town from New York to celebrate the birthday of his beloved granddaughter, Anna. Over bagels and birthday cake at the downtown Berkeley Y, we discussed my latest ideas and projects, and, as he always did, he asked me to email him the details when I was ready to move forward.

I was honored when Alison asked me to build a memorial website for Shelley. For someone who believed in me so deeply, it is the least I could do.

In his kind and quiet way, he made a difference in many people's lives. I was fortunate to be one of them.

(Photo credit: Ke Zhang, 2007)