Irving Seaman Jr.

Seaman, Irving Jr. 91, Longtime Chicago businessman and civic leader, died on January 14, 2015 at home in Lake Forest with his wife Barbara and his family by his side. Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he attended the Milwaukee Country Day School, 'Irv' went to Yale University, Class of '44, where he was Chairman of the Yale Daily and graduated with a B.A. He joined the Navy, serving in WWII as a Lieutenant on the USS Lindsey, a destroyer in the Pacific Theater, which took part in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After the war, he moved to Chicago, eventually settling in Lake Forest, and immersed himself in the business and civic communities. He began his banking career at the Continental Illinois Bank and Trust, then moved to the National Boulevard Bank of Chicago, where he was President and CEO. He was also President and CEO of Sears Bank and Trust and Chairman of the Associated Bank of Chicago. In 2002, he was honored for 50 years of service and leadership in the banking business. From 1982 until his retirement in 1993 he was a senior consultant for the public relations firm of Burson-Marsteller. He also served as director of numerous corporate boards including the Pullman Company, Wrigley Company and Abbott Laboratories. His club affiliations in Chicago included Chicago Club, the Racquet Club of Chicago, and the Commercial Club, where he was a lifetime trustee. He was a tireless community volunteer, taking leadership roles in many educational and charitable institutions both in Chicago and Lake Forest. Among many others were the United Way, the Infant Welfare Society, Northwestern University Associates, the Better Business Bureau, and the Yale Club of Chicago. He was President of Lake Forest Hospital and Lake Forest Country Day School, and served as a member of the Vestry at the Church of the Holy Spirit. He was a gifted piano player who played 'by ear'. With little urging, he would jump on the piano bench and entertain family and friends. His love of music also made him a devoted supporter of the Chicago Symphony, where he was a lifetime trustee and rarely missed a performance. But Irv's true joy was the game of golf, which he played passionately and in all weather. He played some of the world's best courses, but was never happier than at his beloved Augusta National. Besides Augusta, he was a member of Shoreacres, Old Elm and the Onwentsia Club. The latter two he served as President. He also was a member of the United States Senior Golf Association. He was pre-deceased by his wife of 50 years June Carry and his brother Douglas. Besides his wife Barbara Priebe, he is survived by two brothers, Richard and David; four children, Peter Stewart (Margaret) Seaman, Marion Seaman (Nik) Kypdridemos, Terry Seaman (MK Beach) Osborne, and Anne Seaman (John) Colquhoun and seven grandchildren. A private interment will be held with a memorial service planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, those interested may make a donation to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Development Dept, 220 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60604, or to the Evans Scholars Foundation, One Briar Road, Golf, IL 60029. For service info. Wenban Funeral Home, Lake Forest, IL www.wenbanfh.com (847)234-0022.