John E. Seward, age 61, passed away in the family home Tuesday, March 9, 2010. He was born in Eugene, Oregon; the only son of Elwood and Minnie Ruth (Huckins) Seward.

John loved the Canyon Creek area above Cascadia, especially hunting, fishing, camping, and woodcutting off the back roads with his family and dog. In his younger years, he worked off the coast with his brother, Earl, doing commercial salmon fishing.

He married Alaine “Jody” (Almon) Seward in Michigan in 1976. They managed a ski resort and had three children before moving back to Sweet Home where they operated the Frontier Restaurant in the early 80s. Nothing gave him greater pleasure than cooking up a feast for family and friends.

He spent several summers as a logging camp cook in Alaska. John also worked as an auto mechanic, as a general laborer installing suspended ceilings, and most recently as an assistant with Wright Towing. He did volunteer work and supported Fair Share. In recent years, his door was always open to anyone needing transitional shelter.

John was very proud of his wife, Jody, and their children. His eldest son. John Francis Seward, preceded him in death in 2007. He deeply loved and admired his son, James Michael Seward, and his youngest and only daughter, Marie Therese Ramos. “Papa John” leaves behind his adored grandchildren, Dakota, Raffie, Jamie and Sophie, as well as his “adopted” brothers, Deane, Andy, and Jim.

A memorial Mass will be offered on the anniversary of his son’s death, 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 9, at St. Helen’s Church in Sweet Home. A memory sharing will take place following Mass in the church hall. Contributions can be made to the John F. Seward Memorial Scholarship, Sweet Home High School, or Sweet Home Fair Share.
Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.