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Calgary Herald

Calgary oilpatch pioneer and philanthropist Don Seaman dies at 99

Article content Prominent Calgary businessman and philanthropist Don Seaman has died at the age of 99, just 17 days shy of his 100th birthday. Article content Seaman, a pioneer in Canada's oil and gas industry and a generous supporter of youth sport and education initiatives, passed away surrounded by family and caregivers. He died of prostate cancer, according to his obituary. Article content Article content He is remembered as a sharp businessman, a humble contributor to his community and 'the centrepiece' of his family. Article content Article content 'His drive for excellence, his work ethic, loyalty, honesty, and sincerity were always reflected in his work,' his obituary read. 'The pervasive and lasting legacy that he has left us is his love for his family. His generosity and care of his family made him deeply beloved.' Article content Article content A key figure in building Alberta's energy sector, Seaman's success in business took off after he joined his brothers in founding Seaman Engineering and Drilling in the 1950s. The company evolved into Hi Tower Drilling and eventually became Bow Valley Industries, a global energy firm. Bow Valley was taken over by British Gas in 1987, after which Seaman pursued separate business ventures, often mentoring young entrepreneurs and investing in their success, his obituary stated. Article content Seaman gave back generously through the Don and Eleanor Seaman Foundation, supporting causes including education, health care and youth sports. He was a key supporter of the Laurie Ircandia Memorial Scholarship at the University of Calgary and remained deeply involved in philanthropic work until the end of his life. Article content Article content Okotoks Dawgs stadium among legacy Article content One of his most visible community contributions is Seaman Stadium in Okotoks, home to the Okotoks Dawgs Baseball Club. Noticing a lack of facilities for young baseball players in Calgary, Seaman envisioned and helped fund the multimillion-dollar stadium, which has since become a national hub for summer collegiate baseball and a community centrepiece. In 2017, Seaman was honoured for this achievement at the Top 7 Over 70 event. Article content 'He saw the success of the players we had with basically no playing facility, and he wanted to provide an opportunity where future players would have an easier time realizing their dreams,' said Dawgs founder John Ircandia, who is also Seaman's son-in-law. 'Don turned to me and said, 'We need to find a way to build the Dawgs their own stadium.''