5/1/2026 – Herbert W. Seymour, Clayton

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.