Frank Richard Seelye

Frank Richard Seelye, age 73, originally from Maple Falls, WA currently of Ferndale, WA passed away Monday, September 27, 2021, in his home surrounded by loved ones. Frank was a devoted husband, father, brother, and dear friend.  His later years were spent knowing the joy of being a grandpa.

Proceeded in death by his parents Marion Norma and Ernest Marvin Seelye. He is survived by his wife Barbara Ann whom he married July 29, 1968; son, Les (Connie Lem) Seelye, grandson Grant Richard; daughter Katharine Ann (Jason) Zasa; grandchildren, Madeline Annalise, Duncan Edward, and Zachary Daniel; brothers Daniel (Christie Jo) Seelye, Steve (Margret) Seelye and Chris Seelye; sister Barbara (Robert) Hylton.

Frank and Barbara were together more than 53 years and blessed with many memories most of which are shared with extended family and lifelong friends who remain close today. Most of all, Frank enjoyed being a host and knew how to make everyone feel comfortable. He loved a good ‘hors D’ over’ and perfected many dishes, but those requested most were his pacific clam chowder, crab frittata with hollandaise, and biscuits with sausage gravy. Frank loved sports, cheering for the WSU Cougars and Kansas City Chiefs brought him much joy. His devotion and unfailing commitment to family extended to being their strongest cheerleader. He traveled all over to see his own kids and grandchildren perform at their peak in their given sport. He was an original DIYer who took pride in his quality wood working making many furniture pieces. He was quite the handyman and volunteered his talents to many of our fortunate neighbors who found themselves in need of a solid fix. Books were our Frank’s lifetime companion as he loved a good novel or biography.

He was a graduate of Washington State University in 1970 where he majored in Accounting and maintained his AICPA membership throughout his long tenure in Agricultural Business working for Western Farmers in Seattle, WA, Farm Credit Services in Spokane, WA, and Farmland, in Kansas City, MO. After a distinguished 50-year career he retired from Madera Fresno Farm Credit out of Fresno, CA in 2019 as the Chief Risk Officer. His work ethic was unequaled, and it’s been said that his contributions will have a real impact on the future of the company in positive ways.

A Celebration of Life has been scheduled for March 26, 2022, at the Squalicum Boathouse in Bellingham, WA, time to be determined.  A donation in Frank’s name can be made to your choice of organizations but the family does suggest the Whatcom Hospice Foundation or the Friends of the Big Fresno Fair.  Frank worked passionately to support 4-H & FFA youth programs.  At the fair, Frank enjoyed cooking breakfast for hundreds of kids as well as selflessly working to provide tools and toolboxes to ag-focused youth.  Friends of the Big Fresno Fair Attn: Toolbox/Junior Livestock Program, 1121 S. Chance Ave, Fresno, California 93702.