Herbert William Seymour, age 80, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 17, 2026. He was born on January 23, 1946, in Watertown, New York, at Mercy Hospital, the son of Norman and Kathleen Shannon Seymour. He was a good man and a devoted husband, father, and uncle.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Sharon; his son, Sean and wife Dawn; and his nieces: Kassi Seymour Rainbow (Shane) and their sons, Lennon and Zeppelin; Terra Bach (Freddy) and their son, Sylas; Gayle Quill and her daughter, Autumn Quill; and Lisa Payment (Jim Koshar) and their son, David Payment, all of whom he loved deeply.
Born and raised in Clayton, New York, Herb maintained a lifelong connection to the river and the community that shaped him. He graduated from Clayton Central School in 1963 and immediately enlisted in the United States Navy. During his service, he worked as a photographer, documenting daily life and operations aboard ship, quietly preserving moments and history through his lens. After four years of service, he returned home to Clayton and worked at Black Clawson in Watertown.
He later pursued training in respiratory therapy at a hospital in Rochester, New York. Following his training, he moved to Johnstown, where he established the community’s first respiratory therapy department. Eventually he and his family settled in Potsdam, where he spent 29 years building and leading a respiratory therapy department there. After retiring at age 63 from Gouverneur Hospital, Herb and Sharon returned to Clayton to be closer to family and friends.
In recent years, Herb found joy in life’s simple pleasures: spending time with his great-nephews, Sylas and Lennon, relaxing with friends along Riverside Drive on his favorite bench; and following his beloved Clarkson hockey. He also enjoyed tennis, golf, and squash, and was a loyal fan of the Atlanta Braves and the Indianapolis Colts.
A man of integrity, Herb lived his life guided by strong values and a deep sense of loyalty to those he loved. He had a special gift for humor, especially in the nicknames he affectionately gave to family and friends, reflecting his warmth and personality.
Herb will be remembered at St. Mary’s Catholic Mass at 9 am on Sunday, July 12. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Clayton Christmas Fund at the American Legion or the Thousand Islands Land Trust. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.
ron brown
Sad to hear the news of Herb’s passing remember many a time at the Quonset Hut with the CPH crew RIP
Jim Schnauber
Herbie and i were classmates . Ever week he could remember ever word Barney Fife said
On Andy Griffith . We would laugh all over again .He was a very funny guy. R.I.P
suzanne shannon merritt
i am sorry to hear about herb. i am a first cousin. i am not able to come as i am handicaaped
Sheldon & Fran Hall
Sharon- so very sorry for your loss. Will remember all those years of working with him at CPH
Shermie Warner
My sincerest condolences to Sharon and his family. I had the pleasure of working with Herb, he was the best! RIP Herb.
Ronald McAvoy
So sorry to hear of Herb’s passing. I was looking forward to once again seeing him at the bench’s by the village docks I will miss his humor and the sound of his laugh.
David Natali
Many memories growing up in Clayton include adventures with Herb. I will miss seeing him at the benches at the village docks holding court. My condolences to his family.
bonnie daniels
I worked many years at CPH with Herbie. We developed a special bond with a young patient with CF and Herb and I spent many days with her and I could see the warmth and compassion during that time. This was before he lost a lot of weight and he reminded me of a gentle teddy bear. When my husband died he was there for me and my family and always had a hug for me. My thoughts and prayers are with Herbie’s family and friends. You have many great memories with him and I hope you will soon be able to remember them and enjoy them. Rest in peace my dear special friend.
Billy
I will miss Herb coming down to the docks every day and visiting with us and his friends. I always enjoyed his company and humor. He was a good man. God bless him and his family.
Sally Hunt Bogenschutz
Sharon and family…I was saddened to hear about Herb’s passing. I used to see him years ago at hockey games in Postdam. He never ever changed. Always jovial, and always such a nice guy. I am sorry to have missed him in the summer months after you moved back to Clayton. He will be missed….
Carol (Calhoun) Kostyk-Hackett
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Herb, I graduated in 1963 with Herb. He was always a wonderful person wherever he was. We worked on the last class reunion held at the Seaway Restaurant. Our class is getting smaller and smaller. Herb will not be forgotten.
Lee Crandall
So sad to hear of Herb’s passing. I remember him from high school as a great guy with a wonderful sense of humor. I saw him at a reunion a few years ago and caught up on his imptessive career. I know that he will be missed.
Gail MOSCHELLE
I was sorry to hear of Herb ‘s passing . I knew him and his family for a very long time. He was a happy person with a wonderful sense of humor. He and Bob shared many laughs when they worked together. I was happy to see him at Bob’ s calling hours. My condolences to Sharon and his whole family.
Susan E Warner
Sharon
So sorry to hear of Herbs passing. Always a fun time when seeing him and a lot of laughs. I remember sharing stories with Herbie about Massanutten Va near Harrisburg Va. you could ski in the morning and golf in the afternoon. Anyway he will be truly missed
Peace to you and family during this difficult time
Susan Warner