George Seminoff was born March 28, 1927 in Hobart Oklahoma. At the age of 17 George enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served 2 ½ years in WWII. Upon his discharge he returned to Oklahoma to attend Oklahoma State University where he earned a degree in architecture in 1950. During his practicing years George completed additional architectural studies at Harvard University. George served as chief of architectural design for a number of the state’s major architectural firms. During this time he designed many large projects including Baptist Medical Center, St. Lukes Methodist Church and the American Airlines Overhaul Depot in Tulsa. In 1960 George established Seminoff, Bowman & Bode Architectural Firm. Over the years his firm had many recognized public projects including Omniplex and The Oklahoma City Zoo. They were also recognized nationally in the publications of Southern Living, Living Now, Metropolitan Home, Oklahoma Home & Garden, Oklahoma Home & Lifestyles, Nichols Hills News, NW Style, and Oklahoma City Downtown. His own home won a prestigious award of merit for its design from The American Institute of Architects. He served on the Architectural Selection Committee to select the new Dean of the School of Architecture for The University of Oklahoma. He served on the national design committee in Washington, D.C. for the American Institute of Architects. For many years George was a board member of the Oklahoma City Zoological Society and served as architectural advisor for the Zoo grounds complex. George served on the boards of many of the arts and music organizations in Oklahoma City. George served as one of the first presidents of the Oklahoma City Arts Council when it was originally established. He designed the concept for the very first Oklahoma City Arts Festival, which today is recognized as one of the top arts festivals in the country. He personally rallied his fellow Architects to volunteer as the labor force to assemble the first festival tents that he designed for the artists. George served as President of the Oklahoma City English Speaking Union. He was an active board member of the Oklahoma Tree Bank Foundation, The Oklahoma Heritage Association and The Redbud run. George personally participated in the Red Bud Race every year and won a gold medal in his age group in the 1986 1-K race at the age of 59. He served on the board of Trustees for the Oklahoma Art Center, Omniplex and Westminster Day School. George was an original member of the 5 man team that originated the Phaythopen Charity Auction, the primary fund raiser for the Allied Arts Foundation in the 1980’s. George initiated the concept for the first Oklahoma Art Center Omelet Party, and was himself one of the featured Omelet chefs for many years. The event has become a major Art Center fundraiser for the last 20 years. His volunteer reputation as the premier Omelet chef grew to such heights from the initial efforts, that he continued to “Cook for Charity” for many years and raised funds for many organizations including the larger Allied Arts fundraisers. George was the artist who drew the architectural rendering for the Symphony Show house since its inception as the primary fundraiser for the Oklahoma City Symphony/Philharmonic. In 2005, George received the Community Service Award from the downtown Kiwanis Club for a lifetime of service to his community. In 2006, George received the Governor’s Arts Award for 79 years of Community Service. George was an active Choir member of Westminster Presbyterian Church for 50 years. He served in the elected positions of Deacon and Elder of the church and was the consulting architect for Westminster Day School, since the year of the School’s inception. George is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Sharon Seminoff, his two daughters, Emily Brown of Dallas, TX, and Mia Davis (Rob) of Dallas, TX. Two Granddaughters, Mary Catherine and Gracie Davis of Dallas, TX. Brother Samuel Seminoff of Wichita, KS and Sister Jaimi Senkoff of Destin, FL. Nieces, Paula Tarbutton and Donna Harvey of Oklahoma City, OK Suzanne Seminoff of Roseville, CA. Nephews, Kirk Seminoff of Wichita, KS Cliff Senkoff of Destin, FL and Steve Seminoff of Olathe, KS.
Services will be held Thursday at Westminster Presbyterian Church at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Oklahoma City Museum of Art and the Westminster Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir.
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