Byron (BJ)  SEAMAN

Obituary of Byron (BJ) James SEAMAN


September 7, 1923 – Rouleau, Saskatchewan
April 24, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

BJ Seaman of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at the age of 97 years.

Family values, hard work and entrepreneurial ambitions were instilled in BJ early on by his mother and father.Soon after graduating, BJ moved to Alberta in pursuit of promising opportunities which resulted in the start of a booming oil and gas industry. Amongst Alberta’s most successful businessmen and pioneers of the industry, he and his brothers, Daryl (Doc) and Donald (Don) Seaman moved to Calgary and formed Seaman Engineering and Drilling, later changing the name to Bow Valley Industries.

BJ’s other contributions to the industry included membership in numerous professional organizations, such as advisory councils on science and technologies, and various Government committees.

BJ had significant accomplishments throughout his life resulting in many honors. These include: recipient of the Governor General's Medal, induction into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, and an award for outstanding contributions to society from the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta. In 1992, BJ received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the University of Saskatchewan and was named one of the College’s most Distinguished Graduates.

BJ was an original Calgary Flames owner and a devoted fan who followed the team passionately during his remarkable thirty years of ownership. His enthusiasm for athletics carried into his personal pursuits. Along with his brother Doc and good friend Harley Hotchkiss, they created grassroots programs such as Project 75, now called the Seaman-Hotchkiss Hockey Foundation. He also supported and participated in the International Hockey Centre for Excellence.

In addition to his many accomplishments, BJ dedicated his time and resources to numerous philanthropic endeavors including: The Seaman-Hotchkiss Foundation, the Seaman Family MRI Research Centre, Hockey Canada, the University of Calgary's NeuroArm project, the University of Saskatchewan, The Salvation Army, Riverview United Church, and a host of other social and cultural causes. He held positions on the boards of the Salvation Army and Calgary Children’s Hospital, on committees for the YMCA, UNICEF, and the Canadian Foundation of Ileitis and Colitis.

Outside of business, BJ enjoyed spending time with his loving family.  He and Evelyn travelled extensively with their favourite being trips to Maui. He was dedicated to the United Church and actively attended service for many years. Other pursuits included pheasant hunting, golf, gin rummy and lunch at the Petroleum Club. BJ will be remembered for reciting his favourite poet, Robbie Burns.

The family wishes to acknowledge and thank the staff and caregivers at the Garrison Green Seniors Community for all the years of excellent daily care and comfort they provided BJ. Special recognition to his long-time friend and caregiver, Tinuk.

BJ is survived by his two daughters, Karen Seaman and Deborah Seaman; his two sons, Allan Seaman (Sonya Procenko) and Ronald Seaman; as well as his two daughters-in-law, Karen Seaman and Lynne Seaman.  He also leaves eight grandchildren, Alexandra (Geoffrey), Alora (Derrick), Bradley (Melissa), Margot, Jaime, Kristyn, Robyne, and Stephanie as well as his eleven great-grandchildren, Ashley, Sarah, Evan, Emily, Donovan, Jayden, Charlize, Sierra, Brock, Eleanora, and Nicholas.

BJ will also be greatly missed by his brother Don and wife Eleanor, plus extended family and friends. BJ was predeceased by his wife Evelyn Seaman in 2003, his sister Dorothy Hamilton (nee Seaman), his brother Daryl (Doc) Seaman, his father Byron Luther Seaman and his mother, Letha Mae Seaman (nee Patton).

A Private Funeral Service will be held on, Friday, May, 14, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and the Northwest Territories, www.alzheimer.ab.ca  or to the Prostate Cancer Centre, https://www.albertacancer.ca/donate/

In living memory of Byron Seaman, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

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