THERE WAS ONLY ONE SEYMON …
In the world of bridge, few people are distinguished by their first names alone. Seymon Deutsch, of Laredo, Texas who passed away yesterday, was one of those individuals. When you spoke of Zia or Edgar (or Omar for that matter) — you need say no more. Seymon enjoyed that unique prominence as well.
To Bobby, Seymon was not just “another nice guy” to whom everyone took a fancy as evidenced by the dozens of internet comments and tributes already posted. Bobby had attended the University of Texas in Austin for his first two college years but returned to his native San Antonio to earn his degree from Trinity University. That is where they met for the first time and … it is easy to guess where … at the Student Union where Seymon was found playing bridge While attending college at Trinity, many a dinner was shared with Bobby’s family at their home. In fact, Bobby served as a groomsman at his wedding on January 3, 1959. They remained close buddies for over half a century. Seymon loved the game and the players loved him in return. His claim to fame which is unprecedented is that he captured TWO World Championships for Zone 2: The 1988 World Team Olympiad (pictured below) and the 1994 Rosenblum.
Seymon was the owner of an upscale women and men’s clothing store, spent much time in his lovely home away from home in Aspen and adored his beautiful wife, Linda, and their four children — but bridge was his true passion. Seymon will be sorely missed by all those whose lives he touched.
If you look closely, you will find Captain Dan Morse, SEYMON, Jeff Meckstroth, Eric Rodwell, Bob Hamman, Jim Jacoby, Bobby Wolff and WBF President Denis Howard. Incidentally, this is the only World Team Olympiad the United States ever won!
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What a timely picture to be showing. Did you know Seymon well?
JS
No, JS, I had never met Seymon until Bobby and I were married. We would have an occasional meal with him at the Nationals and whenever he came to Las Vegas, we would meet him for dinner with Bobby Hayes and his close friend, Proctor Hawkins. The last we dined together was a couple of years ago somewhere in the midwest — not sure where. It was probably when he won the Sidney H. Lazard, Jr. Sportsmanship Award. For the first time I got to meet his beautiful wife, Linda, who Bobby often raved about. I have never heard anyone say an unkind word about Seymon. Sorry I didn’t have the opportunity to get to know him better — but grateful for the few pleasant occasions we did share.
I enjoyed reading your beautiful tribute to Seymon whom I know was close with Bobby. Rumor had it that he was ailing but I had no idea his death was imminent.
I also saw something on another site where it mentioned that Seymon won the 1988 World Championship with Meckwell “and the Texans.” Curious what they meant.
Hi Tom:
I was not aware of that reference but did check it out and can explain it.
For the record: The original foursome were Seymon playing with Bobby and Bob Hamman/Jim Jacoby (alluded to as “and the Texans” ) who in 1986 won The Grand Nationals. Meckstroth and Rodwell were subsequently added to round out their 1987 Trials Team where they were victorious and went on to capture the whole shebang in 1988. That solves the mystery of the unnamed Texans.
I read a lovely tribute to Seymon in Alder’s column a few days ago. I didn’t know him well although you could see him slowing down in the last year. Everyone seemed to adore him.
Alan:
Word travels fast in the bridge world. It was unbelievable how many people knew of his closeness with Bobby and made a concerted effort to extend their condolences to him — aware of their long friendship from college days.
I thought it interesting to learn that when he was active in his business (Joe Brand’s) in Laredo, the Police Chief and Mayor made it a ritual to have breakfast with him at the store. Seymon adored his business and the game, but he was first and foremost devoted to his family. A man for all seasons.