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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
SEYMOUR, George Wesley - After a remarkable life lived large with wisdom, humour and dignity, our father - George Wesley Seymour - died peacefully at home in the loving care of our brave and beautiful mother, Marie-Claire, and with his daughters Kathryn (Leo), Patricia (Christopher) and Allison (Pat) also by his side. It would take a memoire to detail the highlights of George's life from his childhood and youth on Vancouver Island, to his commerce studies at the University of British Columbia and 3 years flying with the Navy, to the travels and adventures of a 35-year career with the Canadian Foreign Service eventually retiring to Vancouver Island. Retirement for George, however, meant a distinguished second career of 15 years from 1996 to 2011 as a municipal councilor serving North Cowichan with a community focused dedication for which he was conferred 'Freedom of the Municipality,' the highest honour that can be bestowed upon a council member. We like to think that his life really didn't begin until he met the force of nature that is our mother in 1960, while posted in Saigon. Together - sharing a love for music, arts, exotic cuisines and culture - they charted a wonderful journey, engaging with the world and everyone they met along the way with curiosity and a generosity of spirit that touched and influenced many lives. With his "one constant, my partner, my closest friend and advisor" by his side, George rose through the ranks of the Foreign Service as a Canadian diplomat serving in Southeast Asia Pacific, Europe and the United States. He was stationed in Vietnam in the late 50's where he met Marie-Claire (Jobez) followed by postings in the Hague, the Netherlands (1961 to 1965); Ottawa (1965 to 1968); Colombo, Sri Lanka (1968 to 1971); Washington, DC (1971 to 1975); and Ottawa (1975 to 1982). He finished his career as High Commissioner in Singapore (1982 to 1986) and Malaysia (1990 to 1993). George had many passions, among them sailing us around the Gulf Islands when visiting his family during childhood summers. Later, in the Ottawa years from 1975 to 1982, he traded the seas for skis to hit the Gatineau trails in the winters and, in the summers, honed his formidable golf skills on the links, a near obsession he pursued well into his senior years. Among his many joys he could be found ensconced in his daily newspapers listening to the classical and jazz music that always filled the house. And then there was the time spent with his grandchildren Miles, Leela, Cameron and Ryan, watching them blossom into the extraordinary young people they are. There are many more details and stories to be shared and we hope to do so with friends and family at a remembrance social come summer. The family would like to express a heartfelt 'thank you' to the nurses of Home and Community Care and the wonderful personal caregivers for their compassionate and excellent homecare support. George will be interred at St. Peter's Anglican Church in Duncan by his immediate family. In lieu of flowers, we ask that a donation be made to Cowichan Hospice. (The Globe and Mail 16 Apr 2022)
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