“Semper Fidelis”
Always Faithful, Always Loyal
Dad returned our “familial salute” and left us on Sept. 26, 2012, at his Kirkland residence surrounded by his wife, children and extended family. He was born in Woodburn, Ore., on Aug. 25, 1915, to Charles and Helena Seely. Several years later the family moved to Dayton, Wa., where dad farmed as a very young boy, eventually graduating from Dayton High (1931) and Washington State University (1939). Go Cougs!
He received a direct commission as an officer into the Marine Corps upon college graduation and served faithfully until his retirement in 1959. He spent another 26 years with John L. Scott and Coldwell Banker as General Sales Manager. Along the way he encountered the love of his life, Lydia Bovick. They met as Marine Corps officers in 1945 and Mom finally succumbed to Dad’s unrelenting advances and married him on Sept. 28, 1946. The formidable team was formed and they spent the next 66 years together, raising four children and opening their lives to extended family and innumerable friends.
Always the understated quipster, he was the quick-witted ember in our lives. In some of our toughest times, he reminded us that, “We’ll be fine,” and eventually we were. Family defined him. We can’t imagine what our lives would be like had we not grown up with a Dad (and Mom) who personified “Always faithful, always loyal!”
Dad was predeceased by his four siblings: Gladys, Clifford, Clarence and Ray. He is survived by his forever companion and wife, Lydia; four children, Paul (Cass) Seely, Lynn (Barry) Fountain, Karen Seely (Ed Serocki, deceased), Gayle Seely; grandchildren, Mike (Cary) Seely, Joe (Margaret) Seely and Tim Seely (Shana Weydert); Jennifer Fountain and Amy Fountain; Jason (Megan) Anderson, Stephanie (Eric) Allen; great grandchildren, Lucinda Seely, Sadie Seely, and almost great granddaughter Seely (Nov. 30).
The “final salute” will take place at Holy Family Catholic Parish, 7045 120th Ave. NE, Kirkland, Wa. 98033 on Thursday, October 4, 2012. The rosary will begin at 10am and the funeral will follow at 11am. The procession to Kirkland Cemetery will commence after the church reception.
Donations may be made to “Make A Wish.” He so loved to place a smile on any child’s face.