Long time Espanola politician Robert Seeds, 72, died on Dec. 13 from unlisted causes.
He served on the Española City Council four times, between 1984–1992, 1994–1998, 2010–2014 and 2016–2020.
Seeds ran a towing company, Robert’s Towing Service, and previously worked as a deputy with the Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office.
According to his obituary, he was a member of a number of civic organizations, including the Shriners and Knights of Columbus. As a city councilor, he worked on “providing and supporting recreational programs in the Valley while emphasizing the importance of public safety.”
Seeds was an avid hunter and outdoorsman, with the state record for mountain lion and black bear.
According to state wildlife records through the Boone & Crockett Club, he killed a black bear in 2007 in Rio Arriba County, the only top 10 bear taken in the county, dominated by kills in Catron County.
Seeds didn’t just hold the record for mountain lion, he held first place (1995), second place (1999) and sixth place (2008), all killed in Rio Arriba County. He also held sixth place for mule deer-typical (1996), killed in Rio Arriba County.
“He also enjoyed trips to the casino, golfing, and cherished spending Sunday Funday with family and friends,” according to his obituary.
Though he had a long tenure in politics, it wasn’t without controversy.
Seeds ran for mayor in 2018, an election that resulted in his wife, Laura Seeds, being convicted of disturbing a polling place and coercing a voter.
She was also convicted on five counts of felony voter fraud in relation to the 2016 election, where Robert Seeds ran for city council.
He is survived by his mother, Mary Anne Seeds, his wife Laura Seeds, three children and three grandchildren, four siblings and many other relatives.
Services began on Dec. 22 with a rosary at DeVargas Funeral Home and Crematory.
Mass of Christian Burial was on Dec. 23 at Santa Cruz de la Cañada. Procession and burial followed at Santa Cruz Cemetery.