William Linus Seeley
Nov. 1, 1914 – Feb. 8, 1989
Publication Date: May 1990 Seeley Genealogical Society Newsletter – Issue #64 and Statesman-Journal (Salem, Oregon) February 10, 1989, Friday, Page 2C
William Linus Seely. In reviewing your latest Directory which I received today, I noticed the name William L. Seeley as being one who had not paid his dues.
I am taking the liberty of writing to inform you that Bill passed away in early 1989 from cancer.
Bill and I graduated from the University of Oregon in 1939, and we went to teach at Bandon, Oregon High School that following fall. As you know World War II interrupted many of our lives, and Bill’s was no exception. He went into the Marines, and served with honor and distinction in the Pacific Theater of war.
We always kept track of one another through Christmas letter, and so I was saddened to hear this past Christmas from Bill’s wife Trudy that he had died.
Little did I know when we were teaching, or for that matter, in the time since then, that I too had a Seeley Ancestor.
Bill was a wonderful friend and teacher. Now I know why I liked him so much – we were “kissin cousins”, and didn’t even know it. I am only sorry Bill never knew about this relationship.
Mrs. Eva L. Wahl
Box 67
Pendleton, OR 97601
William L. Seeley
November 1, 1914 – Feb. 8, 1989
William L. Seeley, 74, of Salem, died Wednesday in Salem.
He was born and raised in Coquille. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon and a master’s degree from Western Oregon State College. He taught high school science and history and coached athletics in Bandon from 1939 to 1942. He served in the Marine Corps during World War II and was in action in the South Pacific. He retired as a lieutenant colonel from the Marines. He began teaching at Parrish Middle School in 1947 and became assistant principal in 1954 and principal in 1958. He retired in 1976.
Survivors include his wife, Trudy; daughter, Karen Halvorson of Tucson, Ariz.; and brother Everett J. of Durango, Colo.
Services will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday in Holy Cross Lutheran Church, and interment is private. Contributions may be made to the church memorial fund. Arrangements are by Rigdon-Ransom mortuary.
