Orville M. Seward

Orville was a true cowboy. Tough as leather, with an unmatched work ethic. His early life was spent on the rodeo circuit, where he was a well-known bare-back and saddle bronc rider. After the rodeo, Orville turned his attention to farming and ranching full-time, with a ranch on Lower Ahtanum Road, and later west of Wiley City. At the height of his ranch life, he and his family ran over 500 head of cows and calves on Pine Mountain and in the Upper Cowiche.

He was by nature a shy man, but had an infectious laugh and mischievous sense of humor. Orville was one of the most honest men you could ever meet, and believed true deals were made with an honest word, and a firm handshake.

Orville loved his family deeply, and never missed a family get-together. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and considered a social gathering much more perilous than being alone in the deepest, darkest forest. Orville bowled in various leagues in Yakima for over 40 years, and in 2003, was inducted into the Yakima Bowlers Hall of Fame.

They don't make men like Orville anymore, and we take great comfort in the fact that Orville is now at peace and with his Lord, Jesus Christ. We're not quite sure how heaven works, but have our suspicions Orville is now on his prized horse “Brownie,” chasing wild horses in God's kingdom.

Orville is survived by his wife of 49 years, Gwen Seward; sons, Butch (Linda) Sagaser of Mt. Vernon, OR; Tom (Kris) Seward of Yakima; Cary (Vicky) Seward of Spokane and daughter, Nikki Seward of Yakima. He is also survived by sisters, Anola Minnich and Wilma Richards both of Yakima, and a brother, David Seward of Yuma Arizona. Orville was blessed with 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Orville was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Orris Seward; sisters Evva Jane Wilson and Sylvia Allen, a daughter, Terry, and grandson, Adam.

Our heartfelt thanks and love go out to the Cedar Hills care givers, Veronica, Amber, CeCe, Sue, Tawnya, Anna Belle and Ellie, and also to his Hospice nurse, Debbie. Condolences may be offered at www.langevin-mussetter.com.

Visitation will be 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, December 10, 2010 at Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home, Yakima.

Graveside service will be at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, December 11th at West Hills Memorial Park.

Arrangements under the direction of Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home, Yakima, WA.