WALTER ERIC SEABERG

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

WALTER ERIC SEABERG Peacefully, on March 22, 2005 in the Intensive Care Unit of the Victoria General Hospital, Walter Eric Seaberg passed away with his loving wife, Lily, and daughter, Christine, by his side. He is also survived by his son, Gordon, and friend, Andrea, his grandchildren Krista Hale and son Tyler, Jon and Dianne Seaberg and daughters Janessa and Jordon-all of Californiaand Ryan Kuehl in Winnipeg, special cousin, Hilda Sjoberg of Toronto and nephews Don and LaJaun Lindwall and family of Edmonton, Allen and Marie Bostrom and family of Edmonton, Eric Bostrom of Victoria, and niece Susan and Ken Semotiuk and family of Edmonton. He was predeceased by parents Emil and Julianna, his sister and brother-in-law Viola and Ted Lindwall, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Gunnar and Doris Bostrom, and special cousin/best friend Albert Sjoberg. Born in 1918 in Winnipeg, Walter is the second child and only son of Emil and Julianna Seaberg (Sjoberg) who emigrated from Sweden around 1911. His youth was spent playing hockey, wilderness hunting and fishing with his Dad, and attending school at Cecil Rhodes. At 17, his working career began at the CPR shops in Weston apprenticing in the machinist-tool and die trade, like his father. He was active in the International Association of Machinists and United Auto Workers unions and promoted all initiatives that would improve the conditions for the working man. In 1940 he joined the Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserves and served 5 years ending his tour of duty as Chief Petty Officer. He was on a number of convoys across the North Atlantic throughout the war and succeeded in evading any U-Boat attacks. During the 1950 flood, he was called again by the Navy to coordinate, maintain and repair the pumps around the city. Before and after the war, he was an active member of the Canadian Commonwealth Federation and later the NDP. He was President of Norden's Men's Club and Vasa Orden in the early 1950's. He was a lifelong friend and supporter of Stanley Knowles. He won a seat on the Winnipeg School Board and served from 1953 to 1957. His major achievements on the school board were allowing handicapped children to attend school, initiating the home and school association in Weston, and being the President of the home and school association for Cecil Rhodes. He was honoured to lay the cornerstone at Andrew Mynarski School. Walter was proud of his Swedish heritage and so it was not surprising that he fell in love with another Winnipeg Swede, Lily Margaret Bostrom. She has been his best friend, lover, wife, and lately his care provider and health care advocate. He was very lucky to have her at his side. They married in 1946 and celebrated 58 years together. In 1957 Ford Motor Company was hiring skilled tradespersons from all over the world to work in a number of plants in Illinois and California. In an effort to improve the lives of his family, Walter applied and was hired for the Chicago Heights Stamping Plant just south of Chicago as a tool and die maker. The family settled in Park Forest and established close friendships with many people. In Illinois, he became a Master Mason and life member of Masonic Lodge 851 A.F. A.M. (Crete, IL). He was also a life member of the Independent Order of Foresters. After 27 working years with Ford, Walter and Lily retired and returned to Winnipeg so that they could be closer to his beloved Ingolf and cottage on Lake Macara. In retirement they enjoyed their winter trips to Panama City Beach, Florida, and Los Angeles, and building a new cottage at the lake. He enjoyed the companionship of many dog pals along the way: Ginger, Tammy and Mitzi. A special thank you to all those who assisted Walter this last year, especially home care workers and Pastor Ed Mitchler. Everyone who knew him would say that he was a humble, honest and honourable man who was unwavering in his deep concern for the common good of all people. Our world is a sadder place without him. Rest in peace for all eternity knowing that you have made a noteworthy difference in people's lives both in Winnipeg and Park Forest. Cremation has taken place. A family service will be held later this year. Flowers are gratefully declined. Please donate to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in memory of Walter. Arrangements entrusted to: VOYAGE FUNERAL HOME CREMATORIUM 1531 Pembina Hwy 284-7500

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 03, 2005