Sept. 27, 1977-April 9, 2007
John Francis Seward, 29, of Sweet Home died of sudden congenital heart failure at the home of his sister in Lebanon while looking into her eyes and in the arms of his mother.
He was born in Traverse City, Mich., on Sept. 27, 1977. The family moved to Sweet Home in 1980. He was the son of Alaine “Jody” Seward and John E. Seward.
He was a 1996 graduate of Sweet Home High School, where he had a passion for swimming. He lettered four years in swimming and three years in water polo. He was a lifeguard and swim instructor He was on the district championship team for three years and was a team captain for three years.
Mr. Seward loved to be outdoors, hunting, fishing, skiing, camping, riding at the dunes and most especially being out on the lake in a boat with friends.
He worked in a variety of settings, hanging suspended ceilings, painting motor coaches, county parks, Safeway in Albany, and most recently the Towne Pump in Sweet Home and Chevron in Lebanon, where he enjoyed his brief but animated conversations with those who came in for service.
He is survived by his younger brother, James Michael Seward of Sweet Home; younger sister, Marie Therese Ramos of Lebanon; two nephews; and a niece.
He was preceded in death by an unborn child known as Francis.
A Mass of resurrection followed by a memorial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday at St. Edward’s Catholic Church. A reception will follow. Inurnment will take place at Gilliland Cemetery at a later date for close friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Jody Seward to be placed in a memorial scholarship fund being set up in Mr. Seward’s name for Sweet Home High School swimmers.