Otis Seal

1948 - 2025

Otis Lynn Seal, aged 77, passed away on November 19, 2025, in Spokane, WA while with family. Otis was the epitome of hard work and strength. He was generous, warmhearted, a provider, and "dad joke" funny.

Otis was born on September 21, 1948, in Eugene, OR to Roy Otis and Merna Marie (Boulby) Seal. Although Otis lost his brother Robert Edward Seal when he was six and both parents by the time he was 19 the Seal family history was very important to him.

At 21 Otis met Vivien at a party and asked her to go on a date to get dinner in Florence, OR. Otis described their first date in a letter to Vivien, from 2009.

"At that time I always ordered a double order of everything. When the meal came, I was so busy mixing the gravy and potatoes that when I looked up there you were with hashbrowns hanging from your glasses, face, and all over the table. After that ordeal why would you ever want to go out with me again?"

Otis and Vivien Laura Gedney married on January 16, 1971, and were married for 50 years before Vivien passed on April 8, 2021.

In 1974, after his first daughter Angie was born they moved to Bonner, MT. Montana was his happy place. He enjoyed photography and was published in Montana Magazine in the 80s. Otis spent years enjoying building and flying RC airplanes for himself and Benjamin. He later spent time developing his gold panning skills and researching Montana's gold panning history with an overweight golden retriever in tow.

Otis was known to many as Giant. He was 7' tall and enjoyed being a gentle giant. From taking out the ceiling fan in a friend's home to placing an unruly fair goer who wanted to fight "the big guy" into a dumpster with one hand. Until the end he was joking with the nurses about not fitting in the bed.

Otis was born into the logging industry and started with U.S. Plywood (Champion/Stimson Lumber) in 1974 as a millwright and advanced to maintenance superintendent throughout his career. When a heart attack forced an early retirement, he dove into his wood working. He enjoyed making everything from jewelry boxes and nicknacks to wooden candle holders with hidden golden dollars for the kids to find. He sold his Montana Made craft at the local Missoula markets.

Otis was always busy with a project and spent the last years running parts for his son-in-law Toby Miller at G.E.M. Electric. Always taking the time to bring snacks for those at the parts houses and stay for a chat.

Otis was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witness on July 8, 2018, joining Vivien in her faith.

Otis is survived by his children Angie Seal, Candase & Toby Miller and by his Benjamin Seal. He loved his family and all his grandchildren. Moss Jarvis, Chloe Jarvis, Jake Miller, Jared (Kyleigh) Miller, Hailey (Micahael) Llamos, and Broden Seal-Miller. Otis had two great grandchildren, Ash and James Miller. Otis took pride in his family and talked about them to all during his time at the assisted living facility.

Time to rest now Papa, we love you.

To share memories of Otis or to leave condolences for his family, please visit his online obituary at www.hennesseyfh.com.