Funeral services for Rev. Edwin C. Seaman, 91, of Queensbury, NY and formerly of Ogdensburg and Heuvelton, will be held on Monday, January 9, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Foxwood Memorial Park with Rev. Gerald Matson officiating. Calling hours will also be held on Monday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the mausoleum. Rev. Seaman passed away peacefully Thursday, January 5, 2012 surrounded by his family at The Stanton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, following a long battle with cancer. Arrangements are with the Fox & Murray Funeral Home.

He was born on June 9, 1920 in Long Lake, son of Clayton and Alice Wolcott Seaman. He graduated from Long Lake High School and Houghton College. He was married July 20, 1948 to Helen Beswick and had two children, David and Meribeth.

Rev. Seaman was an ordained minister in the Wesleyan Church since 1942. He began his career, at age 22, with a pastorate at the Heuvelton Wesleyan Church where he spent 13 years. He was instrumental in the development of a new church in Ogdensburg where he serviced as pastor for 16 years. In 1971, he moved to Wells, NY where he served in the Wesleyan Church there for 17 years until his retirement in 1988. In his retirement he continued to serve the church as a supply pastor in area churches for several more years.

Ed was well known for his beautiful tenor voice, singing in duets, quartets and men's choirs. He especially enjoyed singing with his sister Ruth and his late brother Elton. In his retirement years, he would often meet people who had fond memories of him singing at weddings or family funerals. During his final days at The Stanton Nursing Home, Ed continued to share his love of music by singing with staff and residents.

Ed's lifetime priorities were 1. To love and serve God faithfully. 2. His devotion to his family. 3. Service to the Wesleyan Church. He served his community in many capacities. He was the Youth Director of the Northeast District of the Wesleyan Church for years. During this time he made a trip to Haiti and Puerto Rico to help establish missions in those areas. He was the Assistant Superintendent of the Champlain Conference for 18 years. He served on the Board of Trustees of Houghton College for 31 years. For the past 20 years, he and Helen spent their winters at Wesleyan Village, a retirement community in Brooksville, FL.

Ed spent his youth in Long Lake in the Adirondack Mountains. He loved to read about the area's history and was always ready to share his memories of the places and people he had known. He was part of a close knit group of old friends who gathered each fall to hunt in the woods near his family home.

Rev. Seaman was predeceased by his siblings Ralph, Beatrice, Chester and Elton.

He is survived by his wife, Helen, to whom he was married for over 63 years, as well as his son, David Seaman and his wife Maryellen of Queensbury, NY, and his daughter Meribeth Seaman of Winooski, VT; five grandchildren, Jada Berg of Putney, VT, Rachel Berg of Brooklyn, NY, Chea Seaman-Fuller of Austin, TX, Brittany Seaman of Queensbury, NY and Brandon Seaman of Manhattan, NY; sister Ruth and her husband George Bayne of Depeyster; sister-in-law Erma Seaman of Malone, and brother-in-law Burton (and Betty) Beswick of Madrid, NY as well as several nieces and nephews.

Rev. Ed Seaman was a gentle-man in every respect, in spirit, manners and speech. He lived his life with dignity, humor, and love of children and family. He was grateful for every kindness and quick to recognize the efforts of friends and strangers alike, no matter how small. In his memory, his family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, therapists, staff and residents of The Stanton Nursing Home for their compassion and friendship during the three months they spent together.

Additional funeral services will be held at the Regan and Denny Funeral Home, 53 Quaker Rd. Queensbury, NY on Sunday, January 8, 2012 beginning with calling hours at 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gideon’s International or The Salvation Army. Online condolences can be made online at www.foxandmurrayfuneralhome.com.