John Selby Seeley

John Selby Seeley passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026 at the age of 84.

John was born in Anchorage, Alaska, the fourth of eight children. He never tired of sharing stories about hunting with his father and brothers at the “duck shack” or fishing at “Lake Creek”. John was proudly connected to his family’s Anchorage history dating back to 1915.

Most of the family moved to Seattle in time for John to start seventh grade at Holy Family School. He attended Seattle Prep as a freshman, Anchorage High School as a sophomore and junior, and graduated in 1960 from Saint Martin’s High School. He received his Bachelor's of Education from Seattle University in 1964. John earned three additional degrees: a teaching certificate from Western Washington University in 1965, a Master’s in Education from Seattle Pacific University in 1975, and his principal certification from Western Washington University in 1981.

John’s teaching career began in1964. First as a social studies teacher at Thomson Middle School and later at Jefferson High School. Some of his best stories about the antics and brightness of students come from this time in the classroom. In1983, he accepted the Vice Principal’s position at Capital High School in Olympia, where he remained until retiring in 1996. At CHS he utilized his skills in guiding troubled students, supported staff with leadership and organization, and espoused that students’ needs come first. He spent his off hours being with family, following sports, playing golf, gardening, and reading about history. 

John was married to Barbara Hay from 1966 to 1988. For his St. Martin’s 55th class reunion John wrote, “These years went by too fast.  I wish I could have slowed them down and spent more time with family and kept the professional responsibilities at bay.  While I spent some of the summers taking courses and a few (working on) commercial fishing trips, most were spent coaching the kids’ teams, camping, working around the house, and the usual family things. I loved those times. I just wish there had been more.”

In retirement, John found joy in being the ever-present granddad, making time for where his heart led him. It was his daily pleasure to fix breakfasts and lunches, to go over homework assignments, to help prepare for tests, to read to the grandkids before school, and to transport to and from schools and activities. He looked forward to watching swim lessons, ballet recitals, music recitals, Eagle Scout ceremonies, rowing regattas, t-ball games, soccer matches, baseball games, basketball games, football games, track meets, cross country meets, volleyball games, and graduations. He was there to encourage, cheer, and console when necessary.

John’s Catholic faith sustained him in crises. Praying the daily Rosary was his habit. He strove to attend daily Mass. Eucharistic adoration in the St. Joseph Chapel became a weekly practice. Religious reading accompanied historical reading. Saying a blessing before each meal was his simple example of thanks to the Lord.  

His family will remember John for his loud laugh, big hug, and welcoming smile. At gatherings for birthdays, holidays, family reunions, family vacations, or in the simple bustle of everyday life, his quips and one-liners ranging from movie quotes to honed wisdom, encouraged us to embrace the ups and downs of life, to do our best, and to love one another. 

John is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn; his children Theodore Seeley (Deana), Christopher Seeley (Tanya) and Caroline Street (Aaron); stepsons Christopher Bonds (Kristi), Timothy Bonds (Sara), Noah Bonds (Angela); his brother, James Seeley (Sally), his sisters Joanne Hodel, Helen Yvonne Seeley, and Theresa Waldock, plus eleven wonderful grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents Lawlor J. Seeley, DDS and Helen Marie Seeley, his brothers Lawlor Joseph Seeley, Jr., DDS and David A. Seeley, and his sister Marilyn Hasenoehrl.

As we remember John, we celebrate a life well-lived and an enduring legacy of faith, love, loyalty, and respect. He is greatly missed, but his spirit will continue to inspire those who carry forward his commitment to kindness and education.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Saint Martin’s University student scholarship fund or to the Saint Michael’s Parish “Shoulder to Shoulder” fund. 

Services will be at Saint Michael’s Church in Olympia at Noon on Friday, March 27, 2026. A luncheon will follow the Funeral Mass. 

Internment

Calvary Cemetery

 Seattle