february 2009 issue
Obituaries
Daryl Kenneth Seaman, OC, P.Eng.
APEGGA Life Member
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Daryl (Doc) Seaman, P.Eng., a philanthropist and pioneering oilman, died Jan. 11 at age 86 after a long battle with prostate cancer. A strong booster of the city he loved, Calgary, Mr. Seaman was instrumental in securing the Flames NHL team.
He was also a key player in the building of the Saddledome and in the successful Calgary bid for the 1988 Olympic Winter Games.
Premier Ed Stelmach said in a news release: “I am saddened to hear of the death of Doc Seaman. Doc was a great Albertan and a great Canadian. He was a passionate builder of our province. Throughout his remarkable life, he enjoyed success as a dedicated entrepreneur, benefited the lives of many as a quiet philanthropist, and was a good friend to our wonderful province, which he loved deeply.”
Born in Rouleau, Sask., he was a decorated war hero for his service during the Second World War as a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force. In 1949, armed with a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Saskatchewan, he headed to Calgary and founded Bow Valley Industries with his brothers.
Mr. Seaman founded and supported numerous foundations, sports projects, and environmental and cultural causes. He gave them his time, energy and financial support.
He was an officer of the Order of Canada, a member of the Alberta Order of Excellence and a member of the Calgary Business Hall of Fame.
An APEGGA life member, Mr. Seaman was the 1985 winner of the Frank Spragins Technical Award of the APEGGA Summit Awards. He also held honorary doctor of laws degrees from the University of Calgary and the University of Saskatchewan.
Mr. Seaman is survived by his fiancée, Monique Viau, three sons, one daughter, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. He also leaves behind his two brothers, Byron Seaman, P.Eng., and Donald Seaman, P.Eng.
In his memory a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park in Calgary. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes should go to the Seaman Family Septic Shock Research Fund. Find out more through the Calgary Foundation at www.thecalgaryfoundation.org.