1926 – June 2, 2015
Wall of Fame
A plaque at Ma-Te-Way Activity Centre announces Clair Seeley’s induction onto the Renfrew and Area Recreation Wall of Fame in 2006 and outlines his many contributions, which have significantly enhanced the quality of life in the community.
Renfrew Mercury
Renfrew has lost one of its sports heroes.
Clair (CB) Seeley, born in 1926, passed away peacefully June 2 at Hospice Renfrew. He is being remembered as a champion on the local sports scene, a major contributor to the public school system and a treasured family member.
Among plans to honour his memory is Clair’s Celebration of Life ‘Bottom of the Ninth’ event at the RCAF Wing this Saturday evening.
“Clair’s passion for sport, coaching and education, commitment to community and love of family will be dearly missed by all, but none more than Esther (McLachlin), his wife of 62 years, and his children,” said his obituary.
Born in Brockville, Ontario, Seeley was raised by his loving Aunt Jennie and Uncle Percy Lockerbie and he grew up playing baseball.
He went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree at McGill University and a Master in Education at Ottawa University.
“Clair made a lifetime contribution to the public school system as a teacher, principal, superintendent, trustee and director of education. Clair’s zest for life, optimism, kindness, gentlemanly ways, and mentorship have left a lasting effect on many.”
Visitation is Friday, June 5, 4-7 p.m. at McPhail and Perkins Funeral Home (85 Munroe Ave. E) or at Clair’s Celebration of Life ‘Bottom of the Ninth’ this Saturday evening from 6-8 p.m. in the RCAF Wing Lounge, 164 Argyle St. S. A private church service will be held. Donations to Hospice Renfrew or Trinity-St. Andrew’s United Church are welcomed.
He is survived by his children Cheryl (Jeff Dillon), Rob (Patricia), Kim (Fred Wijsman) and Ritchie (Liz DeVillers) and his brother Jay Lockerbie (Marjorie), grandchildren Craig (Justine), Kirk Dillon, Josh and Trevor Seeley, Hannah and Keltie Wijsman and Jason Seeley and great grandchildren Brody, Nash and Duggan Dillon and Samira and Liam Seeley.
Wall of fame
A plaque at the Ma-Te-Way Activity Centre announces his induction onto the Renfrew and Area Recreation Wall of Fame in 2006 and outlines his many contributions, which have significantly enhanced the quality of life in the community.
During the 1980s and early 1990s, Seeley was involved in three major projects in the development of Ma-Te-Way Park. From 1980 to 1982, he chaired the baseball development committee to raise money to build a proper regulation-sized baseball field. This facility opened in 1982 and is named in his honour.
He was chairperson of the arena/pool management committee in 1986-87. In a nine-month period, $1 million was raised in the community.
The arena-hall complex became a reality in September of 1989 at a cost of $4.3 million.
From 1989 to 1992 as a Renfrew trustee with the Renfrew County School Board, Seeley was instrumental in relocating the Pine Avenue track and athletic field to Ma-Te-Way Park.
He was a member of the Renfrew Recreation Commission from 1977 to 1980 and was chairperson in his last year.
Seeley coached and played in many sports and at many levels, but his true passion was always baseball.
From 1954 to 2006, he was involved in every aspect of ball in Renfrew, the Valley and beyond.
Seeley was one of the founding members of the Vintage Baseball Association of Ontario in 1980 and was inducted into its Wall of Fame in 1988. He was Ontario Baseball Association coach of the year, also in 1988, and received the same honour with the North Renfrew Baseball League in 1973 and again in 1975.
Seeley was also an active member of the Renfrew Aquatic Committee.
Published by Renfrew Mercury, June 3, 2015
