Seoras died peacefully at Victoria General Hospital on June 15th, 2020. Predeceased by parents Leslie and Margaret and father-in-law Clifford Turner, he was the treasured husband of Kim and devoted father to son Rory. Profoundly missed by his wife’s family – Eleanor, Blair and Blaine; his cousins in Scotland, Newfoundland and Ontario, and an enormous circle of friends in Victoria, across Canada and beyond.
Born in Carrbridge, Scotland, he was named for an uncle in the RAF who did not return from WWII. As an infant, he moved with his parents to his father’s family home in Newfoundland and then to Toronto as a toddler. He was raised in Etobicoke, attending Queensway Public School, Norseman Middle School and Royal York Collegiate. At the University of Waterloo, he completed an Honours BA in Political Science, inspired by passionate student politics and turbulent world events of the 1960s. A proponent of never letting one’s education get in the way of their learning, he ultimately left graduate studies to spend extended periods travelling across the world, experiencing adventures with which he would often regale his friends in later years. Favourite memories included crossing the Sahara Desert in a Land Rover and trekking through the mountains of Nepal, the beauty of whose Annapurna Range remained a touchstone of peace that would stay with him for the rest of his life.
His passion for exploration and sincere joy in meeting new people was matched by his lifelong love of aviation. Disappointed to learn that his eyesight made him ineligible to ever fly a fighter jet, he instead went on to become a skilled private pilot who flew across North America in a series of Cessna aircraft. He was also a lover of sports – especially the Edmonton Oilers, to whom he was unwaveringly loyal even living amongst Canucks fans in B.C.!
Seoras had a long career in Human Resources in both public and private sectors, the highlight of which was his time with Wardair Canada. There he was able to fulfill his passion for aviation and travel while making many lifelong friends.
His career ultimately led him and his family to Victoria, B.C. where he was overjoyed to spend the last three decades of his life. He was unfailingly grateful to live in “paradise”, frequently exclaiming over his good fortune in being able to look out every day over a beautiful vista of ocean, islands and mountains. Always a keen photographer, in recent years he took to rising early every morning to capture the beauty he found in the sunrises over Cordova Bay. He was a huge music lover, seeing almost every big rock act of the era, but always remaining open to experiencing new genres of music.
Seoras will be remembered for his wisdom, boundless optimism, wry sense of humour, endless patience and genuine interest in everyone he met.
We are profoundly grateful to our friends and neighbours for their support and to Dr. Leah Norgrove for her years of compassionate care. At Seoras’ request, no service will be held, but we know he would be happy to be remembered any time you witness moments of natural beauty like the sunrises he so loved. In lieu of flowers, donations to Victoria Hospitals Foundation are welcomed.
We love him more than words can express, and always will. We shall never forget him. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Sean Ross
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Ian Wilkie Absolutely one of the best people you’d ever want to hang out with. Incredibly witty, caring, interesting and interested, a real gentleman and a gentle man (other than that fiercely competitive streak he would hide behind the disarming smile just before he knocked you over on the base path! 😉
Travel well Seoras, you’re one of the good ones.
Ian Wilkie
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Diana Young & Peter Bruckmann Kim & Rory. We are heartbroken over the passing of Shorry. He has been a lifelong friend to both Peter & I. Right up until a couple of weeks ago, he was sending Peter interesting aviation articles. Shorry was an amazing man, as you both know and he was dedicated and devoted as a Father and Husband. To me he was like a brother and dear friend. We mutually enjoyed travelling and it was because of his tales of Nepal that we climbed to base camp. One of our fondest memories, apart from the many great get togethers was hiking the West Coast Trail. He was always willing to give me a helping hand. I will miss our special friendship and our many political and philosophical discussions that we both enjoyed engaging in. I planted a rose bush in his memory today in our neck of the woods. I’m so very sorry about the loss of your soulmate and Rory’s Dad. If there is anything we can do, please call on us. Sending you both hugs and prayers. Know that you are surrounded with friends and family.
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Suzanne Groulx Dear Kim and Rory. My deepest sympathies. I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Seoras. I worked for Seoras at BCSC and remember his smile when Rory would walk in his office from the day care across the way. Nothing else mattered at that moment. I cherish my time working with Seoras; so caring and truly genuine man. Take good care of yourself Kim. Sending you love and and hugs. Suzanne Groulx
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Gailann Squires Kim, so sorry to hear about Seoras passing. I didn’t get to know you and Seoras until I spent time with you both while visiting Deb D. In Palm Springs. I remember Seoras and I immediately became kindred spirits in a brother sisterly way due to our friendly bickering back and forth. I am so sad he is gone and wish I could have seen more of you both.
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Lynne Travers & Harry Neufeld, Lochside Dr Dear Kim:
We were so sorry to read that Shorry had passed
Please know you are in our thoughts at this
difficult time for you, your son and family
He was a lovely gentle man –
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Deb and Lionel Durocher Dear Kim and Rory,
There are no words to describe how sad we are, but also how grateful we are to have known Seoras for so many years. He loved you both so much, I’m sure it was very hard to say goodbye. His spirit will live on in both of your hearts and in the hearts of all of the friends and family that loved him. We spent many wonderful hours together and will remember that time very fondly. Sending you both lots of love.
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Patricia Slobodian Dear Kim,
Janice and Nancy have kept me informed of what you have been going through. This must be
such a difficult time for you and your son Rory. Deepest sympathies. May you and Rory carry Seora’s wonderful spirit with you always. Sincere condolences from both Vic and I.
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Shelley Rose Dearest Kim and Rory;
Over the many years of knowing you Kim and witnessing your great love affair with Seoras, I am struggling with words to express my condolences to you both in losing the love of your life and such a devoted Father. Seoras though, was never short on words to express his love of and devotion to you both. I know you will feel his love and hear his laughter forever. Know that he is resting now and watching over you. Sending you much love, Shelley and Maurice
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Nancy Schreiner Dear Kim and Rory: We are very sorry for your loss. What a special man Seoras was. May all of his wonderful qualities live on in you both. Our deepest condolences,
Nancy and Werner Schreiner
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Brian Brown My sincere condolences.
I will remember Shorry for many things, especially the fun I had with his father and Shorry working on my Sunbeam Imp, and for his help in getting me into The Village at U of W. He was simply a great guy.
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Deb Thurlbeck My heartfelt condolences to you. I met Seoras in a photo course which then became photo group where we shared both stories and photos. What a wonderful warm gentleman who will be truly missed.
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Chantal Webb Kim and Rory, Jamie and I are so sorry to hear about Seoras’s passing. Our sincerest condolences to you. Seoras was the second supervisor I had in the Public Service and through all of these years now, he still remains my favourite. He was an extremely kind person and had amazing stories. He also became a friend, which is very telling in itself when that happens.
My heart is with you, Chantal
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Owen & Maureen Taylor Kim and Rory,
Seoras was a fascinating man with a great sense of humour and a wry smile. So many great memories from our first wine night, to the many, many wine nights that followed. He will be sorely missed by so many. Our thoughts are with you both and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Love,
Owen & Mo
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Julie Bell Please accept my sincere sympathies on the passing of Seoras.
It was a pleasure to share our Friday morning yoga class with
the both of you. His friendly warmth will be missed.
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Georg Hoevel Dear Family,
My condolences! I met Seoras a few years ago through our Photo Club, a group of amateur photographers who meet regularly. He impressed me from the first as a kind and friendly sort with a gentle sense of humour and a lively curiosity about life and others. And he took great pictures, which he shared with us even when he was recuperating from illness and he was unable to attend our meetings. I will miss him!
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Karen McAnally My sympathies and prayers are with you as you grieve your loss.I am so grateful I got to visit with you,Kim and Seoras. He was a true blessing,and I will think of him when I reflect on the beauty of nature God has created.
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Dianne Galipeau Dearest cousin, Kim, son Rory and family! My heart goes out to you at this very sad time and the loss of a fine man like Seoras. From what I’ve read, he was a very accomplished man, traveller and with a curious mind. Your fond memories and experiences over the years together will give you solace, strength and courage.
My condolences and love, Dianne and Family.
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Brad and Sharon Eyben and Noreen Cooper Kim and Rory: Noreen, Brad and I send our deepest condolences to you both. Brad and I met Seoras at your home near the Springbank airport outside of Calgary many years ago when Kim and Seoras were expecting Rory. Seoras and Kim were so warm, welcoming and interested in our lives, and Seoras and Brad shared a love of aviation which was very special. We were very sad to hear of Seoras’ passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both at this time.
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Charlie White Jan and I were very sorry to hear about Seoras’ passing. He was a true gentleman.
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Paul Neate Such sad news, our condolences on your loss. We will miss his energetic personality.
Dr. Paul Neate
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Marilyn Fislding My deepest sympathy to all on hearing this news from Blair. After reading all he did in his life nothing was left out. Absolutely an amazing person. RIP
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Terri Chyzowski Kim, thinking of you at this sad time. I remember Seoras as kind, thoughtful, ready to explore new ideas and also inspired me to stay open minded. Sending you and Rory my heartfelt condolences.
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Melinda C Harris My heart goes out to you and your Son, Kim!! Know that he is without pain and in a happy place. If you ever need a shoulder, a walk, anything – I am here.
Best wishes during this difficult time,
Your book buddy, Melinda
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Dale Mosher Dear Kim, please accept my condolences. What a beautifully written obituary of a life well lived and a man well loved. In sympathy,
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Laura Sheppard & John Binsted So very sad to hear the news about Seoras. We met at Wardair back in Edmonton and oh, could he make me laugh and you know how we loved to repeat those old Wardair stories. He is remembered with much fondness. Our condolences to you both….you are in our hearts.
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Deborah Rose Kim: Mark and I would like to express our condolences to you and Rory. We didn’t know Seoras, and only met him once at Shelley’s house years ago, but from what Shelley tells me, he was a wonderful husband, and devoted father. I’m sure he will be greatly missed. He was lucky to have your love and support during the past difficult years. All the best to you and your family.
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Patrick Wolfe Dear Kim,
My condolences to you and yours on Seoras’s passing.
I did not know him well, but I was always impressed by his capability and qualities.
Blessings,
Pat Wolfe
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Jannette Juneau Kim and Rory
My heart aches for both of you!
I’ve never had the honour of meeting Seoras, but heard many wonderful conversations. Beautiful write up – wow, what an amazing accomplished man, damn!! You sure have a special angel with you.
Jannette from Toronto, ox
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Tim Herrmann Lee and I had the good fortune of meeting Kim and Seoras a number of years ago in Victoria. We really enjoyed the time spent with them and enjoyed listening to Seoras interesting stories of travel. Our deepest sympathies go out to Kim and family in their loss. Tim and Lee Herrmann
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Glenn Landry Dear Kim and Rory,
What a wonderful man and a treasure. We have heard so much about him and you and Rory over the years from your devoted brother (and Godfather to Rory) Blair. We send you our most heartfelt condolences and we hope that with time your heartaches will lessen and you’ll just hold those happy memories and deep love in your hearts for this special man, husband and father. He fought the good fight and no one could have done better. Blessings to you both. Heartfully, Glenn, Arlene and Noah Havrot-Landry
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Greg Conner Our deepest sympathy to Kim, Rory and to everyone who had the good fortune to know Seoras. He was a truly wonderful human being and will be remembered so fondly.
With love
Simone and Greg
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Gerrat LeFresne Kim and Rory, Marilyn and I send our deepest condolences.on the passing of Seoras. My memory of him was on his visit to our home in Paradise. Uncle Les and Aunt Gertie and Seoras were so kind to us when we lived in Toronto. May he Rest In Peace.
Seoras
Dear Kim and Rory,
I am truly saddened for your loss and offer my sincerest condolences.
I met Seoras for the first time in 1980 as the newest member of the Customer Relations team at Wardair. I recall how he went out of his way to make me feel welcome and how to deal with both the positive and much less negative correspondence we received from our guests. Seoras was quick to laugh with a great sense of humour and as I found out when we started playing baseball together, he had a real competitive streak. Some of our best times together were spent on the baseball diamond in the numerous tournaments in which we played in YEG, YVR, HNL, YYZ and YUL. Seoras was a great person and true friend and he will be sorely missed.
Sean Ross