CHS 'memory keeper' Seymour dies

CHILLICOTHE – For more than 89 years, Bob Seymour lived for Chillicothe students and their activities.

The unofficial memory keeper for Chillicothe High School died Tuesday at Westmoreland Place after a long illness. He was 89.

A former school custodian, Seymour was also an avid photographer, snapping pictures at sporting events, graduations, musicals and school dances from 1969 to 1990. He wasn't hard to spot — in later years he sported a Chillicothe letter jacket with "CHS PHOTOGRAPHER" on the back. His photos were eventually spotlighted in an area of the school known simply as the "Wall of Fame."

Chillicothe City School District Superintendent Jon Saxton remembers the "Wall of Fame" from his days at the high school.

"We looked forward to seeing our pictures in the showcase," Saxton said. "When you saw your picture in there, you had sort of made it."

Garin Veris, former NFL player and CHS alum, remembers the many pictures Seymour took of him and his three sisters growing up.

"A lot of the memories we have are from pictures Bob sent us," Veris said.

Even after the world moved to digital photography, Seymour's trusty film camera captured great moments for students and their families. He was always generous, giving copies of the photos away to the students.

Those students didn't forget, as Seymour found out in 2010.

He was riding a Chillicothe Transit bus when he was pickpocketed by a woman, who stole all of his pension check. After word got out, CHS alumni started up a collection and gathered money from places far and near. Seymour was presented with the money in a special ceremony at the school.

His response: "Oh my God," Seymour said. "What can I say? I will never forget this for the rest of my life."

"Everybody always knew him, he was always around and always a nice guy," Jon Ekvall, who started the fundraiser for Seymour said.

"Making people smile is what he was all about," Veris said. "He was one of those people who was never about himself. Just a great man."

"He wasn't just a custodian, he was a friend," Saxton said.