Frank Alvin Seeton

Frank A. Seeton, a proud fourth-generation Coloradan, passed away peacefully at Sandalwood Manor in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, on March 26, 2025, at the remarkable age of 100 years, 10 months and 2 weeks. His life came full circle when he arrived at Sandalwood as his childhood home was just a block away.

Frank was born to Ross V. Seeton, Sr., and Bettie Lee (nee Carpenter) Seeton in Denver on May 12, 1924. He had one brother, Ross V. Seeton, Jr. Frank spent most of his childhood in Wheat Ridge. He graduated from Wheat Ridge High School in 1942. While in high school, he excelled in football and track.

After high school, Frank attended Colorado School of Mines, graduating with a mining engineering degree in 1947. While attending Mines, he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, Theta Tau Honorary Engineering Fraternity and Blue Key National Honor Fraternity.

In 1947, Frank married the love of his life, Mary Helen Armstrong of Midland, Texas, whom he met during his youth in the historic mining town of Tin Cup, Colorado, in Gunnison County, where the Seeton and Armstrong families both had summer cabins. Frank and Helen raised their family in the Applewood area of Lakewood. They were married 52 years before Helen died of cancer on August 31, 1999.

Frank was a true pioneer of Tin Cup and the surrounding Taylor Park area. He first came over to the region when he was 10 weeks old and was proud to say he was the longest continuous summer resident of Tin Cup; he made it over every summer except for the pandemic year of 2020 and the summer of 2024. Tin Cup was a welcome retreat for Frank throughout his life as he enjoyed the peacefulness of the surrounding area and especially loved fly fishing in the many streams in Taylor Park. Frank was considered one of the foremost experts on the history of the region and was interviewed extensively for several books on the history of Tin Cup and Taylor Park.

As time allowed during the summer, he prospected for gold, silver, tungsten and molybdenum. He leased five of his discoveries to major mining companies (Amoco Minerals, Molycorp, Climax, Inspiration Development and Western Nuclear) who financially rewarded him for his efforts. His prospecting success fulfilled his intense interest in the mining industry.

Frank worked 44 years in the mineral processing industry involving testing, process development, engineering, operations, consulting and management of domestic and international projects. He had 22 scientific articles published on a wide range of mineral processing subjects and held a U.S. patent for processing uranium ores. He also received the first award given by the Colorado Mineral Processing Division of the Society of Mining, Metallurgy, Exploration, Inc., for lifetime achievement, dedication and contribution to the mining industry. The award was granted in the year 2000 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the subsection of which he was a co-founder and a long-time officer. The award is now granted annually.

Frank worked five years as Operations Manager for COG Minerals Corporation with producing properties in Colorado, Utah and California. During his career, he traveled extensively to all parts of the United States, Canada and Mexico, with special assignments in Peru, Thailand, Africa and Russia.

In 1974, he started a private consulting business which he operated for 18 years until his retirement in 1992. His diversified experience in mineral processing created demand for his consulting services. He specialized in the development of mineral processing flowsheets, equipment application and selection, mill planning, plant start-up, operation and economics. He was affiliated with many major mineral projects in his business. Throughout his professional career, he was identified with two qualities: an uncompromising integrity and dedication to knowing his field.

During his professional career, he was a Legend of Honor member of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc., and a long-time member of the Colorado Mining Association. He was a Registered Professional Engineer in Colorado, member of the Mining and Metallurgical Society of America, Rolling Hills Country Club, Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church and a benefactor of the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum.

Frank was proud of his family’s many accomplishments in athletics and in their chosen careers. He was also very fond of his old dog, Sundance.

He was a big football fan; he particularly enjoyed watching the Denver Broncos and Colorado School of Mines. Frank was fortunate to live long enough to see his beloved Orediggers make it to two consecutive national championship games.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Helen, and his brother, Ross V. Seeton, Jr., on March 12, 1992.

Survivors include: a daughter, Carol Ann Sandquist (Steve Jackson) of Nathrop; two sons, Dr. James Seeton (Faith) of Lakewood and Buena Vista, and Thomas Seeton (Cheri) of Golden. Additionally, Frank is survived by five granddaughters, two grandsons; eight great-granddaughters and three great-grandsons; four great-great-granddaughters and two great-great-grandsons.

The family is planning a private graveside service.