WELL-KNOWN FAMILY PHYSICIAN PASSES AWAY
Dr. Donald Maxwell "Don" Seaman – 86, of Kentville, died Thursday, November 26, 2015 at home, with his wife by his side. Don was born in Halifax on June 22, 1929, and grew up on Maple Street in Dartmouth. He was the eldest son of Frank and Marion (Thompson) Seaman, a principal and teacher who instilled in him the importance of education. Don spent his early years swimming and paddling at Lake Banook and going to the movies where his love of big band music began. Don attended Dalhousie University, making the trip back and forth by foot and ferry, until he graduated from Medical School Class of 1957. During his internship, he met a young nurse, Joan Campbell from Sydney and the courtship began, culminating in their marriage in June, 1958. They settled in Guysborough where he began his practice and their family. After seven years they were lured by the bright lights of Kentville, which has been home ever since. He worked hard, built a large practice and could be seen rushing from the OR, to the office, to a house call, out for a run, and finally home. He was passionate about his work and cared deeply about his patients, he retired in 2012 after 55 years in practice. Don brought that same level of energy to his personal life and was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed watching his children compete at swim meets, his grandchildren at basketball and hockey games, taking family ski trips, trips to Azul Beach and spending summers at Aylesford Lake. He enjoyed driving the boat for water skiers and could be seen most days in the paddle boat, accompanied by a dog or two, while Joan swam across the lake. Don and Joan enjoyed hosting their family and many friends at home and the cottage; playing scrabble, cracking lobster and eating peanuts. In July 2014, Don had an accident that left him quadriplegic, he faced this setback with strength and grace. He was nursed at home by his wife, family members and the dedicated staff of the VON and Continuing Care. Don was able to spend one last summer at Aylesford Lake, watching the Blue Jays in their bid for the World Series. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joan and their four children, Marion (Pat) Burns, Loon Lake and Pompano Beach, Florida; Gordon (Dr. Barry Merkley), Toronto; Jill Seaman, Vancouver and Jayne Seaman, Dartmouth; sister, Marion (Dr. Bob Anderson) Halifax; brothers, Dr. David (Helen), Ann Arbor, Michigan and Dr. Jim (Lori), Kentville; three grandchildren, Sophie Seaman-Cass, Maya Seaman and Maxwell McMullin; many nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation, by request. The funeral service, followed by a reception, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 4, 2015 in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville. Donations in memory may be made to the VON/Continuing Care or the SPCA. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. On-line condolences and inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.