He tried to swim the Catalina channel in his late teens, was picked up – reluctantly and covered in grease – off course after swimming 18 miles. He retained that adventurous spirit and imagination to the end of his days. He was devoted to the Navy and Navy matters all of his life.
Sel’s first assignment in the NAVY was on aircraft carrier Randolph, where he was an officer in charge of aircraft maintenance at age 25. He was always proud of it. And it was probably an important job above his rank at the time – to trust such a young person with such a responsibility. At some time, he also served briefly as an NAO in LTA. Then it was on to a 50-year career in ASW, engineering, industry and a host of Reserve units, mainly aero engr types, at multiple stations on the West coast (including China Lake). He served without pay in many units.
He was a fount of entertaining sea stories full of his sense of humor. He regarded life as an opportunity for fun and learning, undaunted by any adversity along the way.
He is survived by Gregory Ramsay of Villa Park and daughter Bonnie Herman of Bonsall ; Greg is a Naval Academy graduate. Svetlana, of his Tustin home and his young professional daughter Alexandra, also of Tustin, survive him.
He will be buried next to his parents at Rose Hill Cemetery in Whittier.
To my good friend and Navy buddy for over 60 years: fair winds and following seas in your new adventure.
