Rusty Seedig, 1953-2008

Rusty Seedig, executive vice president of strategic projects for North American Bison Cooperative and North Dakota Natural Beef, died July 25 after a 12-year battle with leukemia. He was 55 years old.

For the past 18 years, he was instrumental in the growth of the NABC and in the launch of North Dakota Natural Beef. He also served as secretary and treasurer of the National Bison Association and as international director of the Canadian Bison Association.

Mr. Seedig "helped shape the modern bison industry," said Dave Carter, executive director of the National Bison Association. "He helped establish a significant part of the modern processing, distribution and marketing infrastructure. He also helped develop the sound financial footing for the National Bison Association. Rusty was a great guy and a quiet leader in the industry."

"Without his knowledge and dedication we would not be where we are today," said Dieter Pape, chief executive of NABC and NDNB.

Mr. Seedig is survived by his wife Janice, sons Joshua and Jason, mother "Jerry," brother Rex, and mother-in-law Marilyn Grider. Memorial donations may be made to the National Bison Association or the Boy Scouts of America.

Natural Foods Merchandiser volume XXVIII/number 9/p. 10