Floyd Sehy

Gathered around the campfire surrounded by only the sounds of the crackling fire and the laughter of his beloved family, is where Floyd Sehy loved to be. He lived a life full of accomplishments, yet he viewed his family legacy as his greatest asset; the legacy he established with his beloved wife of more than sixty years. Floyd had a vibrant faith that didn’t just encompass what he believed, but how he lived his life each and every day. Floyd was an extraordinary man who embraced each day he was given, viewing each moment as a gift to be cherished.

The majority of the decade of the 1920s was a time of prosperity within our nation. We were introduced to the culture of flappers and speakeasies, and jazz music emanated from clubs across the country. Henry and Sadie (Dustin) Sehy, of Pavilion Township, Michigan were enjoying an exciting time within their own family as well, as they were awaiting the arrival of their fifth child at any time. They were indeed blessed on January 26, 1928 with the healthy birth of their son, Floyd. Born in the family home, Floyd joined older siblings Bernard, Milford, Leonard, and Ruby. As the youngest of the Sehy children, Floyd established a strong work ethic during his formative years as the children did their fair share of work on the family farm. Tragedy struck early in young Floyd’s life, however, with the death of his mother when he was just nine years old. This left his older sister to fulfill the role of a mother for young Floyd and although he had close relationships with his brothers, he and Ruby shared a special bond that would last a lifetime.

By the time Floyd was in the eighth grade, our country had been gripped by the Great Depression for nearly a decade and the agriculture industry in Michigan was especially hit hard. These farmers felt the effects much deeper and for a much longer period of time than farmers in many other states ever did. Like so many other young men during this time, Floyd left school after he finished his eight grade year in order to work instead.

Life turned a new corner for Floyd when he met a delightful young woman named Emily Dolph at a carnival in Kalamazoo. After a time of getting to know each other, they discovered they had much in common and Emily couldn’t deny that she was a bit smitten with Floyd’s dashing good looks and polite mannerisms. Soon, Floyd and Emily began dating but as our nation was thrust into defending our freedom during WWII, Floyd was drafted into the Army. Although they were physically separated for a time, the couple kept their hearts connected to one another through letters. Upon his return stateside, the couple resumed their romance and soon they were engaged, and then united in marriage a year later on March 13, 1948.

The couple was soon blessed with the births of six children: Linda, Floyd, Jr., Nancy, Mike, Bruce, and Karen. Floyd completely immersed himself in his role as a father and his family was his top priority. He worked hard to support them, often keeping long hours in order to make sure that his family was adequately provided for and that they never went without. Sundays were quickly established as a family day in which he did no work and after church each Sunday, the afternoons were reserved for each other. Sometimes they visited a family member or even just went for a leisurely drive to nearby Lake Michigan, but Sundays were precious to each member of the Sehy family and they cherish the memories made to this day. It was important to Floyd that he shape the character of his children and he imparted valuable lessons on the hearts of his children that helped shape the adults they became. These lessons included the value of hard work, respect, and also the importance of both honesty and generosity.

A time of great significance were the occasions that Floyd’s family spent while camping, especially up north where the eggs always seemed to taste better since they were made over the open campfire. The campfire itself was always a special place as they were surrounded by loving family, shared laughter, and plenty of stories. Later when the family expanded to include grandchildren, and even great grandchildren, the time spent in the woods on their property was still treasured family time. It became a tradition for the family to gather there each Memorial Day weekend to camp together and at times, there were up to 30 people gathered together!

Faith was an important cornerstone in Floyd’s life and he was a faithful and founding member of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Vicksburg. He enjoyed the fellowship of his church family and he supported the church for years. To Floyd, faith wasn’t just something he possessed, but to him it was a lifestyle, his life a constant reflection of the beliefs he held so dear.

When he had some leisure time, Floyd enjoyed hunting for a time, but as he got older, the animals he had once hunted, he fed instead. He always kept the bird feeder full and loved to marvel at all of God’s creatures. Floyd enjoyed music, especially country western, blue grass, and any kind of fiddle music. He and Emily liked going to the barn dances and also bowling together too.

Floyd Sehy had a zest for life and an insatiable love for both his God and his family. He consistently carried himself with honor, compassion, and generosity; a true gentleman if ever there was one. To Floyd, life wasn’t about what milestones he could reach or the acquisition of material wealth, but about the relationships he fostered with all those placed in his path, but most importantly, with his family. Floyd was a dedicated family man who leaves behind a legacy of faith and love that will surely withstand the test of time. He will be dearly missed.

Floyd Sehy, Sr. died on April 24, 2009. Floyd’s family includes wife Emily, 6 children: Linda (Bill) Mohney, Floyd Jr. (Deb) Sehy, Nancy (Ray) Baughan, Mike (Paula) Sehy, Bruce Sehy, Karen (Lee) Coville, 14 grandchildren, 12 step grandchildren and several great grandchildren, and his sister Ruby Adams. Visit with Floyd’s family and friends and share light refreshments, Saturday from 6-8 p.m. and Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Vicksburg, 409 S. Main (649-1697). A Rosary will be prayed on Sunday at 5 p.m. and Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Monday at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a favorite memory or photo or make a memorial donation to Hospice of SW Michigan.