On Saturday, September 16, 2023, The Kansas River Coalition held a memorial service and float in honor of Wally Seibel, who died May 28, 2023.

Wally was one of the founding members of ARC and was a member of the Board of Directors of ARC from its inception until his death May 28, 2023. 

Wally became the titular leader of the floats that in many ways characterize the ARC. He scheduled   and organized river trips,  hauled canoes and kayaks to the launch site along with PFDs and paddles for those without their own equipment, as well as leading the floats. He also did the same when the ARC put fairgoers on the river during Riverfest. He organized numerous sessions for organizations wanting to train youngsters and others in the art of kayaking. In all these ways he touched the lives of hundreds. He was the spirit of river outings for ARC and will be deeply missed.

The memorial was held in Central Riverside Park which some 30 to 35 people attended. Tributes to Wally and memories of him were offered by some of those attending. 

Following the activities in the Park, friends of Wally drove to the launch point at the former Gander Mountain facility where 30 kayaks were launched in a memorial float to the Keeper of the Plains statue at the conjunction of the Big and Little Arkansas Rivers. An empty yellow kayak (Wally's) was also towed to the site. The 30 kayakers assembled in a circle  surrounding Wally's boat and raised their paddles in tribute.
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