- A-11691
- Item
- 1992
Head and shoulders image of Dr. Byron J. Seaman, honourary Doctor of Science recipient; likely taken at time of presentation.
Bio/Historical Note: Byron James Seaman was born in 1923 at Rouleau, Saskatchewan. He attended the University of Saskatchewan and earned a BSc in mechanical engineering in 1945. Seaman moved to Alberta shortly after graduating to work in the oil industry with his two brothers, Donald and Daryl Seaman (both brothers were future honourary Doctor of Laws degree recipients by the U of S). They first established Seaman Engineering and Drilling Co. Ltd. (shortened to Sedco). It became noted for providing the option of turnkey contracts at a fixed price, rather than bidding a price for every foot drilled. The company also covered a portion of the drilling costs to secure the contract, as well as for services like cementing and casing. Sedco ultimately merged with three other companies in June 1962 to form Bow Valley Industries. Seaman went on to serve as CEO of Bow Valley (later Bovar, Inc) from 1976 to 1987, and as chairman from 1987 to 1990. Seaman was one of the original six owners of the Calgary Flames, along with his brother Daryl and four others. Under his co-ownership, the franchise won their only Stanley Cup in 1989. They reached two other Stanley Cup finals. Seaman remained a part-owner of the Flames until 2010, one year after his brother Daryl died. Along with his brother, Seaman was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 2007. He was also awarded the Governor General's medal. Byron Seaman died on 24 April 2021 in Calgary at age 97.