John (Jack) Seely, 67, of Lapwai, went to join his wife, Sandy, Friday, March 19, 2004. He was surrounded by his family, close friends and dog Tip.
He was born March 5, 1937, in Burns, Ore., to Leon Edwin and Elsie May Smith Seely. He was the youngest of four children.
His sisters, Joanna Corson of Burns, Ore., and Pat Miller of LaGrande, Ore., survive him.
His brother, Jim Seely; and his parents preceded him in death.
Jack was raised on the family ranch in Lawen, Ore., and attended school in Crane, graduating in 1955. Jack married Sandy Call in Winnemucca, Nev., Feb. 7, 1959. They lived for a few years in Seneca, Ore., moving in 1966 to Lapwai and purchased PK's Place, which he had owned and operated since.
Sandy died Jan. 26, 2004.
Jack touched the lives of everyone he met. He was known by many names: Grandpa, Uncle, Dad, Jack Salmon, Black Ass, Chairman and Hippie, to name a few.
He enjoyed many activities, most of which naturally seemed to revolve around his business, PK's Place in Lapwai. Much of his free time each year was spent getting firewood, but he also enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. Jack could fix almost anything. If he couldn't fix it, he could usually invent something that would work!
Some of his most enjoyable times were spent in the bar with his friends and having barbecues with his kids and grandkids. He enjoyed many Nez Perce activities and loved listening to the drummers and their songs. He felt a very close attachment to the Nez Perce culture, and was blessed to be considered a friend, uncle and brother to many people.
Jack is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Robin and Steve Topp and Tammy and Gary Robinett, all of Lewiston; and his son and daughter-in-law, David and Julie Seely of Lapwai. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Genni Topp Hopkins and her husband Josh of Nampa, Amy Topp, Heather Topp, Matt and Jake Robinett, all of Lewiston, and John and Clayton Seely of Lapwai; one great-grandson, Dalton Hopkins, of Nampa; and Tip, Jack's dog, also survives him.
With Jack's wishes, he has been cremated. A memorial service and dinner will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Sacred Heart Church Hall in Lapwai.
Published in the Lewiston Morning Tribune (ID) on 3/21/2004, Page 5C
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