Herbert Ellsmore Seavey

Princeton – Herbert E. Seavey, 77, a veteran of both the Korean and Viet Nam Wars, died at Maine Veterans’ Home in Bangor on Monday, December 20, 2010. Herbert was born in Calais on July 19, 1933 to Herbert E. and Lucy C. (Rooney) Seavey. He attended Acadia University in Nova Scotia, Canada after graduating from St. George High School, New Brunswick. Herbert joined the U.S. Navy in 1952 and served 4 years; he then went on to enlist in the U.S. Air Force from which he retired in 1974 after a total of 22 years of honorable military service. His medals and decorations, among others, include the United States Air Force Airman’s Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy and Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Longevity Ribbon, and Republic of Viet Nam Combat Service Medal. It was during his combat tour of duty at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Viet Nam, when Herbert was awarded the United States Air Force Airman’s Medal for heroic action above and beyond the call of duty when, at peril to his own life and safety, he exposed himself to exploding ammunition and fire, removing and carrying to safety an unconscious aircrew airman from a battle damaged, burning, helicopter. For his heroic, immediate reaction and response resulting in saving the downed crew member’s life he was awarded this prestigious medal. After his retirement Herbert moved back to Berlin, Germany where he worked as a civilian, employed as an Air Traffic Controller. While there he ran the warranty repair for the Military Audio Club and also was the Amusement Officer for West Berlin slot machine program. Herbert relocated to Nevada in 1984 where he was a field representative for Playtime Summit and then production supervisor for the inventory crew at Washington Inventory Service, retiring in July of 1998. Herbert married Elyse (Oldag) in Reno, NV on February 2, 2002, they then moved back to Maine in 2006. Herbert had enjoyed fishing, boating, bowling, dancing and being with his family. He was a member of The Air Force Sergeant’s Association, The Retired Enlisted Association, the VFW, the NRA, Princeton Rod & Gun Club, and Lodge # 895 West Berlin Germany A.F. & A.M. In addition to his parents, Herbert was predeceased by a brother, Bill Seavey. Surviving are his wife, Elyse Seavey; two step daughters, Kristen Hefner and Kelly Smith and her husband DeWayne of Portland, OR; a brother, George W. Seavey and his wife Alicia of FL & Calais; a sister-in-law, Joanne Seavey of Baileyville; four step grandchildren, Elizabeth Hefner, Emaleigh Hefner, Kaycee Smith and Levi Smith; three nieces, Christina Seavey of OH, Linda Taylor and her huband Andy of Montgomery, AL and Wallie Goolsby of Tucson, AZ; two nephews, Bill Seavey and his wife Heidi, of Princeton and Mark Seavey and his wife Kathy of Baileyville; and several grandnieces and grandnephews. A military graveside service will be held at Calais Cemetery on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 1:00 p.m.