Andrew Tobiah Seaman

Andrew Tobiah Seaman was born in Portland, OR.  At the age of three days, he was adopted as the third child of Rick and Licia Claire Seaman. He attended Lee Owen Stone Preschool, Portland Waldorf School, Irvington School, Holy Redeemer Catholic School (7-8) and Lincoln High School.  At Lincoln, Drew took a class in his constitutional rights.  Throughout grade schools and high school he played on soccer and basketball teams.  During the 1997 season, Drew became the highest scoring soccer forward in the PIL, and was named to the Oregon  All-State Soccer Team.

After high school, Andrew went to Lane Community College, then Portland Community College. During a gap year, he made use of the  Leap Now program and in 1999 went to Greece to work on tour boats.

Andrew enjoyed working and had a strong work ethic. “He knew what his job was and did it.” He got his Red Cross Babysitting certification at age eleven.  In high school, he worked for Flowers by Dorcas, and Wholesome and Hearty. Later, he worked as a teacher assistant for Portland Public Schools ('98-2000).  Through the years he worked at UPS, Oaks Park, Salvation Army, Standard TV and Appliance. Dominoes Pizza,  Nordstrom DC and Merchandise Delivery Assistant for Doc Martens (see The Skanner “ Doc Marten Offends ”,  April 15. 2015.)  He enjoyed physical  labor in warehouse production, working with electric pallet jack and fork lift.

In high school, Andrew volunteered with After-school Tutoring at St. Andrew's with Bob Hughley.  Later with his son, he volunteered yearly at the L'Arche Christmas Tree lot. With his Papa,  Andrew helped some years with the Motown Dance set-up, and the St. Andrew's Community Center Auction.

Andrew enjoyed the outdoors, hiking, canoeing and camping. When he was six, his family took a camping trip to Hawaii. When he was ten, the family took a six-month tent-trailer trip around the USA and Canada.  Ten-year old Andrew hiked the seven-mile Kaibab Trail with mom, down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, spent the night in a tent, and hiked back up the following day.  He was most impressed with the variety of shoe footprints from all over the world.

Andrew found music easy.  At age three, he started group piano.  At age four,  after being given the first four notes, he taught himself to play The Saints Go Marching In by ear on the trumpet.  At age twelve, he energetically performed a cello duo with his friend Ram Fletcher at Waldorf's Advent Faire.  As a child, he sang in the church group, Inspirit , along with members of his family and others.  Along the way, Andrew also played bassoon.  On the CD Toning Cells to Health , he played gong.

As an adult  Andrew became reunited with his biological families: the Egans nearby and the Williamson clan in California.  He was warmly welcomed by both families.  One year, his mother, Annie Egan got to carry in a birthday cake for Andrew and later got to hold her grandchild, Julian. Through the years, he appreciated new relatives and spoke of them as they appeared. His mother's sisters shared his love of fitness and workouts, and shopping at the Nike Factory store.

In January 2015, Andrew was assaulted and robbed; the experience  left him with severe PTSD. Andrew lived in Chehalis, WA, from 2015 to 2017.

In March 2015, Andrew was diagnosed with congestive heart failure (CGF). The cardiologist stated that it was a double whammy of the sports energy drinks (uppers) and the alcohol that compromised his heart.  Andrew wanted to get sports energy drinks labeled with mandatory warnings.

Though CHF curtailed his ability to work, Andrew volunteered at Meals On Wheels, Portland Adventist Community Services (PACS), Saint Francis Dining Hall, Chehalis Timberland Library, Open House Ministries, Share House (Vancouver), and Clark County Food Bank.

Andrew moved to Vancouver WA in November 2017.  Wherever he was, he stayed active in his son's life: keeping track of sport team registrations, game schedules, shoes, shin guards, and entertainment.  He wanted him baptized, and attending Holy Redeemer School.  He attended his Boy Scout, church and school program events.

Drew was determined to be good father in the life of  his son Julian, and continued throughout his life to try again and again to maintain a healthy life.

His favorite foods were shrimp and ice cream (but not together.)

Andrew died peacefully in bed at his home in Vancouver, WA.  He is survived by his son, Julian Andrew Rodriguez, his sisters, Jennifer Bolton and Anne Savage, his brother, Joshua Seaman, parents Rick and Licia Seaman, half-sisters Amber Williamson and  Brandy Esqueda, half-brother Alvin Williamson Jr., numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, nieces and nephews and grandfather.

With mental illness in his family background, and his own addiction and blackouts, Andrew inflicted pain on himself and others. We acknowledge the damage this caused to family, friends, and community. Andrew developed great perseverance. He kept picking himself up and returning to sobriety. Every time you stood by your limits, you helped him to understand and choose clean living for friendships and family. Every time you let him try again when appropriate, you gave him a fresh morning, adding moments and months to his life.

Remembrances may be made in honor of Andrew to: blacklivesmatter.com

There  will be a memorial for Andrew Tobiah Seaman at 7 pm on Friday, November 8th, at St. Andrew Catholic Church on NE 9th Ave. and Alberta Street.  It will be immediately followed by a reception and dessert potluck.  If you can, bring a dessert to share. Ice cream and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.