Lyle Walter Seeband

Lyle Walter Seeband, aged 87, passed away in Sacramento, CA. On January 17, 2024 due to complications from diabetes.

He was a beloved brother, uncle and friend.

Lyle was born on February 17th, 1936 to Marie and George Seeband in Sacramento where he spent his formative years. He graduated from C.K. McClatchy High School, class of ‘54. Lyle went on to Sacramento City College, UC Berkeley, and ultimately received a degree from Sacramento State University.

Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1958, he served active duty in Okinawa, Japan until 1960. Once discharged, Lyle’s military service continued for an additional 30 years in the U.S. Army National Guard, Reserves, 91st inf. div. and the 59th Army Band.

Throughout his career he was known for his hard work, dedication and passion for helping others.

Lyle’s desire to help others is exemplified by his decades-long goal of reaching 200 pints of blood donated, a goal he proudly reached. (That’s 25 gallons!)

Though he had jobs in his teenage years as a gas station attendant and as a dairy farmhand, his career really began in 1963 when he became a deputy probation officer for Sacramento County. He held this position for 34 years until he retired in 1997.

Lyle was married to Barbara Biggers from 1978 to 1985.

From the age of 15 to 21 Lyle was an active member of the DeMolay International Organization and rose to the office of Master Counselor.

Lyle was also a member of the Sacramento Bag Pipe Band and a master bag piper in his own right, though he probably wouldn’t have said so. Over the years Lyle participated in many Piping and Drumming competitions at the Scottish Games throughout the region.

Throughout his life, Lyle expanded his musical range. He learned piano, clarinet, and he performed at Carnegie Hall with the Sacramento City College chorus, of which he was very proud.  He piped many a bride down the aisle, newborns home from the hospital, he even played for Governor Wilson with the 91st division Pipes and Drums. 

Lyle would proudly march down the street, pipes afire, as he kicked off the annual 4th of July block party, and he piped for the children at school with a large contingent of pint-sized revelers following the “Pied-Piper” around the school yard.

Lyle was a natural born entertainer, who took every opportunity to get into the spirit of things to celebrate something or someone, often dressing in costume. He was a ‘life-of-the-party’ kind of guy who very much enjoyed putting a smile on others’ faces, especially through music.

He was lifelong friends with the Borland family enjoying the role of friend, godfather, uncle, and great-uncle while attending all of the family’s life events for over 55 years. Lyle made Christmas special by dressing as a Christmas character and reading ’Twas the Night Before Christmas to the children until they were old enough to read it to him. 

Education was very important to Lyle, as was civic duty. Every Borland family child received a voter registration card for their 18th birthday and took them on trips to observe trials at Sacramento Superior Court and Legislative floor sessions at the Capitol.    

Lyle is survived by his younger brother Gary as well as his nephew Simon and extended family.

He will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.