Dr. David William Seegmiller, age 81, died Tuesday, September 15, 2015 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, following complications from surgery. Born January 6, 1934 in Nephi, Utah and raised in Delta, Utah. He was the son of Glen William and Thelma Fern Park Seegmiller.
David attended Brigham Young University, graduating in 1956 with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in chemistry. He met his sweetheart and wife, Jean Black, while at school, and they were married on September 1, 1954 in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. He received his doctorate in chemistry from the University of California, Berkley.
Dr. Seegmiller served in the U.S. Air Force for 28 years, retiring as a Colonel. He served for 18 years as a faculty member at the Air Force Academy, Colorado; including time as Head of the Department of Chemistry and Biological Science. His research experience included working as chief of the High Energy Laser programs for the Air Force and supervising research teams. His research in chemistry, nuclear reaction, high energy lasers and high energy batteries has produced patents and huge contributions to scientific knowledge.
Between 1976 and 1978, Dr. Seegmiller was assigned to work as a Chief Scientist for the European Office of Aerospace Research and Development based in London, England. Following that assignment he returned to the Air Force Academy before being assigned in 1980 to Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico as Chief of the Advanced Laser Technology Division. Col. Seegmiller retired from the Air Force in October, 1985, but continued working for Schafer Corporation as a Senior Scientist for several years before fully retiring in 2003 and then devoting his time to his hobbies.
Many people will remember David for his numerous interests and talents. He was a great scout leader for many years and led the scouts on numerous hiking and camping adventures. He was an avid hunter and fisher, a championship squash and racquetball player, and a rock hound. He could repair any car, and he would invent whatever he needed to get any job done. He had a passion for photography and we have the boxes of photos to prove it. After his retirement he taught himself to make pens and to design and make jewelry, but his favorite pastime was to share and teach others how to do these many activities.
David was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in numerous leadership positions. He was an example of righteousness to all who knew him. He blessed the lives of many through his many years of service.
David was a loving son, brother and friend, but most importantly a loving husband and father. He leaves his wife of 61 years: Jean Black Seegmiller; his son: Donald (Marti); his son: Robert (Pam); his daughter: Sharon Visker; his daughter: Diane Garding (Phil); 15 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and many close friends.
A memorial service will be held Friday, September 18, 11:00 am at High Desert Ward LDS Chapel, 11750 San Victorio Ave, Albuquerque. Burial services will be held on Tuesday, September 22, at 2:30 pm, at the Hinckley, Utah Cemetery, 5800 West 1750 North. Those wishing to attend should meet at the Nickle Mortuary, 190 South Center Street, at 2:00 pm, before traveling to the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Online condolences may be left at www.nicklemortuary.com