Cmdr. Harold Lloyd Seligmiller, USN (Ret.) died unexpectedly on Feb. 5, 2008. He was born in Fairmont, Minn., Nov. 5, 1925, the first of three sons of Fred and Inez Seligmiller.

Hal developed an interest in model airplanes as a teenager and upon graduation from high school in Milwaukee, Wisc., he enlisted as a Naval Aviation Cadet and entered active duty in 1943. In 1945 he was released from active duty to attend the University of Wisconsin, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1949. He also married Exelda Hoffman that year in Milwaukee and returned to active duty as Ensign USN to attend pilot refresher training. In 1953 he entered Post Graduate School at Monterey, Calif., and graduated in 1955 with a bachelor’s of science in Aeronautical Engineering. He continued studies at the University of Minnesota and received a Masters in Aeronautical Engineering in 1956.

Hal was ordered to Heavy Attack Squadron Four at NAS Whidbey that same year where he became carrier qualified. His career as a Navy pilot continued from there, with cruises on the USS Shangri-La and USS Hancock among his many assignments. He and his family were stationed on both coasts and overseas in London before his retirement from active duty in 1969. He continued his aviation career with Boeing as Special Engineer in Product Development in the 747/767 Product Development Programs until his retirement in 1985.

Hal is survived by three of his four children, son Brian (Laurie) of Scottsdale, Ariz., son Jeff (Mely) of Oak Harbor, and daughter Sandy of Edmonds. His wife of 53 years, Ex, preceded him in death in 2003 and his son Marc, in 1983. He welcomed baby grandaughter Blayne Seligmiller just last year, and has step grandchildren Sharee Pacana and Bryan Perkins. He is also survived by his brother Gene Seligmiller (Elaine) of Cheboygan, Mich., two nephews, and several grand nieces and nephews. He lived in Oak Harbor for 44 years.

In his retirement, Hal enjoyed flying model airplanes with the Whidbey Island Radio Control Society, golfed whenever he could, traveled to visit family, read voraciously, and was an active volunteer with the PBY Memorial Museum in Oak Harbor.

A memorial service and celebration of Hal’s life will be held Sunday, Feb. 17, at 2 p.m. at Burley Funeral Chapel, 30 S.E. Ely St., Oak Harbor. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either the PBY Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 941, Oak Harbor, WA 98277-0941, www.pbyma.org, or to The Museum of Flight, (206)764-5720, www.mu

seumofflight.org.