Robert "Bob" Seaman

My husband of 37 years passed away from Parkinson's. In accordance with his wishes, I am having his ashes buried with his mother, father, and brother in Reedley, California. Any amount that you donate will go towards this endeavor as well as to his memorial services. Bob was an amazing person and will be missed by so many.

On the morning of Monday, September 11th, 2023, Robert Amasa Seaman passed away peacefully at home in the Banning-Wrigley Historic District of Wilmington, California with his wife of 37 years by his side. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease over 8 years ago, he constantly defied his medical team’s expectations with his strength and determination.

Bob was born June 15, 1935, in Fowler, California, to Rev. Maurice Seaman and Gladys (Lawson) Seaman. Three years later, the family expanded by one with the birth of Bob’s brother, John. Gladys was a lifelong musician and teacher, exposing her sons early on to myriad musical performances. Bob preferred classical music, especially Mozart, as a result.

Bob started his unbelievable athletic exploits at Reedley Grant Elementary school as part of an 880-meter relay team which set a record at the West Coast Relays. He competed in high jump and the standing long jump as well.

At Reedley High School, he was active in student government, usually as the vice president or president of his classes. A three-sport athlete, he excelled in the middle-distance events and relays, took the field as a defensive end and halfback on the football team, and was a forward on the basketball team. It was as a mighty Pirate that he won the state mile at 4:21 on the historic clay track at Ratcliffe Stadium, beating the record set by the iconic Louis Zamperini of Torrance in 1934.

Originally committed to Occidental College, this record-shattering run meant that a spot at UCLA opened for him instead. UCLA was hoping to turn around 30 years of track dominance by USC, which they proudly accomplished by his senior year. Under coach Ducky Drake, Seaman set records his freshman year in the half mile and mile, running 1:49.9 and 4:14 respectively. By his sophomore year, he was getting closer to the four-minute-mile mark, running the mile in 4:01.4 in the Compton Relays. Bob’s little brother, John, joined him on the track team at UCLA. At the Stanford meet, they tied in the mile, crossing the finish line holding hands. In 1957, the UCLA team captain was also named the American Mile Champion of the Year.

Seaman toured with the Los Angeles Track Club after his graduation from UCLA. In 1962, he became the eighth athlete in history to run a sub four-minute mile, at 3:58 in London. He proved his talent once again in 1963 at the Compton Invitational, running the mile in 3:59.1. At the time, it was considered the “Greatest Mile Race in History,” with 6 men being timed at under four minutes.

His world class run ended with an Achilles injury, but Seaman did not leave the world of track and field. In 1968, he joined the Amateur Athletic Union, moving from a competitor role to establishing the qualifying standards for national championships. He was the women’s track chairman with the AAU from 1972-1990. Involvement in Olympic and World Cup track teams came naturally, and he assisted in both Latvia and Montreal. Seaman was assistant manager of the US Women’s Olympic team in 1984 and the head manager in 1998. He was also an award-winning meet official up until his retirement in 1996.

In 1986, Bob married Simie Hollis and they settled into their Spanish-style home in their historic Wilmington neighborhood. They loved hosting parties and often displayed their impeccable home on home tours. They donated much of their time to the Banning Mansion and Museum and loved going to the museum’s events.

Bob worked at SC Johnson for nearly 38 years and Allied West Paper Corporation for an additional 15. Post retirement, he was an extra in several movies, regaling us at the holidays with amusing stories from on set.

Bob was a meticulous man. He carried himself with elegance and was never seen with a hair out of place, his beard perfectly groomed. He loved his yard and his cats, the official pets and the strays. He cheered on the Bruins in every sport he could catch on television. When home, he liked to spend time in his office and on the adjoining balcony.

While Parkinson’s disease did strip him of some of his autonomy, it did not take his memories or his quick wit. He could remember dates and times and the weather of any event in his past, and always the full names of his acquaintances. He was always able to make connections between people and places and had the most unbelievable, but ultimately true, stories of his exploits.

Bob is survived by his wife, Simie. He is missed by his brothers-in-law, Gregory and Rock (Theresa); his niece, Desiree (Matt); nephew, Rock, and his grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Gladys; his father, Maurice; his brother, John; his sister-in law, Lana; and his most beloved feline, Daisy.

Bob's celebration of life will take place on Saturday, November 11th at 11am at Harbor Christian Center.

Harbor Christian Center

1551 Wilmington Bl.

Wilmington, CA 90744

Services will be in person and also available online at https://harborchristiancenter.org