Erik Reid Seth

Erik Reid Seth, age 78, passed away at his home in Green Lake, Seattle, on Sunday, January 5, 2025. Erik touched the lives of so many throughout the years. Friends and family are feeling the indescribable loss from the mark he left on those he cared for in his life. Erik will be remembered as a good neighbor, friend, dad, husband, Seattle artist and photographer, and an “immediately likable fellow,” to all he met.

Erik was a lifelong Washingtonian, growing up in Seattle where he graduated from Franklin High School, Class of 1964. Erik attended Peninsula College where he received his AA degree and attended classes at Cornish College of the Arts learning from, and making lifelong friends with some of the most influential artists in Seattle. Erik served active duty in the Coast Guard for two years, stationed at Alameda, California, and in the Reserves the following nine years.

Erik’s parents greatly influenced his career path as a professional photographer. His father, Austin Seth, in his time was an accomplished homicide photographer, a “photo finish” photographer at Longacres Race Track in Tukwila, as well as holding the position of Head of Security at the Olympic Hotel for 35 years. His mother, Charlotte Seth taught night classes in how to colorize black and white negatives at Seattle Central Community College. Erik’s extensive portfolio includes notable work such as creating the iconic KZOK psychedelic hand logo and a billboard for the musical “Hair” in the 1970’s when it first came to Seattle. Like his father, he worked for many years at the “photo finish” photographer at Longacres Race Track and later as the photographer for Argosy Cruises. He also did freelance work for private events and weddings. In recent years Erik enjoyed doing photography at the Seattle Aquarium every Christmas.

For most of his life, you would not see him without his partner in love and shenanigans, Denise Watson. Erik met Denise around 1986 when he was asked by his roommate at the time to photograph Denise for the Seattle radio station, KBSG’s contest, Favorite Bartender of the Year. With Erik’s expert promotional photo and support from all Denise’s patrons, she won the contest being awarded a trip to Hawaii. That contest struck-up a 40 year-long relationship that existed until his departure. He will be sorely missed by Denise, the two were an inseparable and inspirational couple.

Erik is survived by his wife, Denise, and daughter Kristin whom he met when she was age 20. Erik lovingly brought his daughter Kristin into the family which included his parents, brother family, and friends. In recent years Erik has generously shared his photography craft with Kristin and she is grateful for the experiences and love she received.

Erik was a well-known and adored community member. He was kind and went out of his way to help friends and neighbors. He would mow the neighbors’ lawn, offer places to stay to friends or do photography for folks without ‘tooting his own horn’ or asking for anything in return. “A true gentleman” as one of his close friends from The Little Red Hen bar referred to him. Residents from all over the Green Lake area would not miss bringing little ‘trick-or-treaters’ by Erik and Denise’s festively decorated house on Halloween. Erik and Denise had a tradition to handing out generously loaded bags of candy and took a photo of every child in costume. The kids knew to come back a week later and Erik would have a photo for each one of them in a plastic baggy on his porch for a keepsake.

Erik was very close with his neighbors, Pat and Sue. They supported each other and kept watch of each other’s houses. Their son, Vito and Vito’s wife Rachel have become Erik’s and Denise’s ‘kids’ with their dogs, Combo and Nala, their ‘grandkids’. As they all lived on the same street for 40-plus years, they have shared so many life events and the ‘grandkids’ aka “the babies” as Erik coined were often good snuggle buddies at their house.

Erik’s presence will continue to be felt in the community of Green Lake and amongst his friends from throughout the years and of course, the ‘Hen’ family. He will be dearly missed by his wife Denise, daughter Kristin and her family - Fran, Greg, and Lori. His brother Nils and his family - Judy, Shannon and Jason. And also his chosen extended family Pat, Sue, Vito, Rachel, Combo and Nala. Knowing Erik was a blessing to all and our memories will be forever cherished.

A public memorial will be held at the Ballard Elks Lodge No 827 on Saturday, March 15, 3:30-7PM.

Feel free to share Erik stories and photos on this page.

In lieu of sending flowers, please consider making a donation to The Ballard Elks Lodge No 827

or The Seattle Aquarium.