Arthur Aryeh Seagull
March 21, 1931-June 14, 2022. His mind and spirit were strong, but after 91 years his tired body said, “enough.”
Arthur A. Seagull was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, therapist and friend. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Elizabeth “Betty”, beloved sons David Seagull, F. Jacob Seagull (Judith Smith) and Jon Seagull (Julie Goodman) and grandchildren Kate Luce, Daniel Seagull, Ethan Seagull and Lilah Seagull.
Born and raised in Newark, NJ, he earned a B.A. from Yeshiva University in 1954, M.A. from Columbia University Teachers College in 1955, and Ph.D. from Syracuse University in 1964. He served in the U.S. Army from 1956-1958. From 1964-1981 he taught at Michigan State University in the Department of Psychology, attaining the rank of Professor. From 1982 until he was in his 80s, he had a private practice of clinical psychology. He loved teaching and clinical work.
Jewish to his bones, Art was well-known for his sense of humor, his use of Yiddish expressions and jokes, and his detailed reading of Hebrew texts. He was a founding member of Congregation Kehillat Israel in Lansing. In late middle age he took up competitive ballroom dancing with Betty, through which they made many friends. He loved travel, cooking for friends, and conversation, which was often discursive, and sometimes hilarious.
The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 16, 2022, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. Livestream is available. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Following interment, there will be a meal of condolence at the family home. Shiva will take place in the family home at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 16.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Art’s memory to Congregation Kehillat Israel.
19 Messages to “Arthur Aryeh Seagull”
Print MessagesPlease Sign The Guestbook
Barbara Werner
June 15, 2022 at 2:55 pmDear Betty, I am so sad to hear the news of Art’s death. You are in my
dearest thoughts today.
I enjoyed sharing with him each time we met. Such a kind and interesting man.
Elizabeth A Seagull
July 18, 2022 at 8:13 amThank you, Barbara. I hope you are well.
Betty
Sue Popovich
June 15, 2022 at 3:41 pmDeepest condolences to Betty and family on your loss of Art. You’re in my thoughts.
Sincerely,
Sue Popovich
Elizabeth A Seagull
July 18, 2022 at 8:14 amThank you, Sue. I hope you are doing well.
Betty
Diane Levy
June 16, 2022 at 9:44 amDear Betty,
My thoughts are with you and your family. What a rich and vibrant life. The world is a little dimmer without Art.
—Diane Levy
Lynne Crandall
June 16, 2022 at 9:51 amDeepest condolences to Betty and the family. Art was a great spirit and an exceptional counselor. I can only think of the light he brought to the world. As the saying goes when you find the light of the world you can see to the end of universe.
Elizabeth A Seagull
July 18, 2022 at 8:15 amThank you so much, Lynne. I hope you are doing well.
Betty
Kathy Farber
June 16, 2022 at 12:37 pmLove to Art, Betty and family. I met Art and Betty at a dance competition and have stayed in contact for years. One of the greatest joys in the world was watching Art and Betty dance together. If only we could all love as they did!!! Dance on Art! You will always be in my heart.
Jessica Heilig
June 16, 2022 at 2:13 pmDeepest condolences for your loss. The world has lost a brilliant light.
Val Molaison
June 17, 2022 at 2:17 amYou two have been a wonder together, Betty! And what a life you built. So much to celebrate. Condolences to you and your family.
Homer hawkins
June 17, 2022 at 9:04 amI got my PhD in 1971 in art was on my doctoral committee, He was a fantastic mentor.
Elizabeth A Seagull
July 18, 2022 at 8:17 amThank you so much, Val. I hope you and yours are doing well.
Betty
Elizabeth A Seagull
July 18, 2022 at 8:18 amThank you, Homer.
Betty
Louis Seagull
June 17, 2022 at 8:04 pmMy uncle, Arthur, held a space in my head for 81 years. I adored him. My condolences to Betty and my cousins.
Jessica Kovan
June 24, 2022 at 9:41 amBetty and family,
I am so sorry to learn of Art’s passing. He was a fixture in my life for many many years growing up at KI.
Holding you gently in my heart,
Jessica
Elizabeth A Seagull
July 18, 2022 at 8:19 amThank you so much, Jessica. Hope you and yours are doing well.
Betty
Tracy Mroz
July 22, 2022 at 10:19 amDear Betty I am so sorry to hear of Art’s passing. Watching you dance together was so beautiful and the love you had together was inspiring. Condolences to you and your family keeping you in my heart.
Patrick Sherman
November 13, 2022 at 9:28 amIn reading a Facebook post made by an old friend from my days at MSU I immediately thought of Dr. Seagull, and this caused me to search his name out; I was sad to learn of his death. He was, by far, my favorite professor and when I became part of the staff at Catholic Social Services he was our pschological consultant and he often made breakfast for us. It was from that experience that I learned to put cream cheese in my scrambled eggs! Many times, over the years, I have shared with others his regular advice that we should “never let the teenager in you die or you will never have any fun!” He made a huge impact on me and is probably one of the reasons why I ended up a counselor and still working at the age of 75!
virginia wulf
September 15, 2023 at 12:11 amI was a student of Dr. Seagull in 1969 at MSU. I was an undergraduate and his was the first class in psychology I took in college. I went on to graduate school at MSU in psychology and received my Ph. D. in 1976. I retired from private practice in 2018. I can still remember sitting in the front row of the large lecture hall in Olds Hall and asking lots of questions during class! He was impressed with that and told me so. He stimulated my life long interest in the field of psychology. May he rest in peace knowing he made his mark on the world.