Plank Owner Sea Wolf Robert Gary Seaman

[Jim Joyce]

Saturday, April 23rd, I attended a small service in Elma WA for Plank Owner Robert Gary Seaman, ADJ1, Det 6, 7/67-7/68. Although I didn't know him he obviously was a helleva decorated gunner who helped pave the way for the rest of us. I truly enjoyed talking with a daughter (Kelly?), son (Ron?), and grandson (unfortunately I forgot his name), they were very thankful one of us attended and for the bouquet of flowers from us. We shared a few stories about what he faced based upon what I have recently learned about him. His son introduced him to the Redwolves in Portland a few years back and also was with him for his ROH induction. They are very proud of him, his service, and that he was a Seawolf. A motorcycle group of veterans will escort his ashes from Elma down to the ocean and someone with a boat will spread them at sea. I took a photo at the house but didn't know how to post it on this site so I posted it on our Facebook site. May he RIP.

[Dan Arnes]

Here's your photo and story Jim. Thanks for attending. I know it meant a lot to the family.



From Seawolf Jim Joyce:
Saturday, April 23rd, I attended a small service in Elma WA for Plank Owner Robert Gary Seaman, ADJ1, Det 6, 7/67-7/68. Although I didn't know him he obviously was a helleva decorated gunner who helped pave the way for the rest of us. I truly enjoyed talking with a daughter, son, and grandson (unfortunately I forgot their names already), they were very thankful one of us attended and for the bouquet of flowers from us. They are very proud of him, his service, and that he was a Seawolf.

I believe Kelly and Ronald were the daughter and son you spoke to, didn't know the grandson's name.

[Kelly Seaman Downing]

I would like to thank Jim Joyce and his Wife for attending my Dad's service. It meant so much to have them there. I couldn't stop hugging them and couldn't believe they had come all that way to give what comfort they could to our grieving family.  My Son, Gary was in the ARMY with the Stryker Brigade and he really enjoyed talking to Jim and hearing some stories.  I would also like to thank Dan and the Seawolfs for the beautiful flowers. You are a great group of people and I see why my Dad was so proud to be a member. Thank you again for everything.  

[Jim Joyce]

Thank you Kelly, and my apologies for the name uncertainties. I thought it was you and Ron but wasn't sure and I forgot Gary's name. I must confess I was a little uneasy when I walked up to the door since I didn't know anyone but you and your family made Barb and I feel very welcome and we are glad we came. Your father raised a great family, I'm sure he was very proud of you all. Thank you for your hospitality and know your dad is remembered.

[Mike Louy]

Hello Jim,

Thanks for the stand-up job you and Barb did in attending the funeral. The reward of a grateful family is most heart-warming.  

Not long ago we laid LCDR Gene Rosenthal to rest at Barrancas National Cemetery.  His son's and daughter were so pleased.  By coincidence a Blue angel air show practiced was in progress.  The family loved that.  As they are now closing up their dad's house here in Pensacola, I'm being "gifted" with helo stuff.  Guess I'll bring some of it to the reunion for others (Det 3) to appreciate.  

Our HC-3 Packrat gathering begins in town on Wednesday.

Best to you and Barb,

Mike