Obituaries

 

Capt. Thomas Sellers

Passed 08/11/2021

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Obituary For Capt. Thomas Sellers

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Captain Thomas Sellers, a proud Ulsterman, who died on 11 August 2021 at the age of 88. Tom (Paddy to some) was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland in August of 1933 the son of the late Margaret (Kenning) and Thomas Sellers. He is survived by sons Mark (Jill) Sheffield, England, David (Linda) Ottawa and daughter Alison (Rodney) Wellington and seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife June (Watterson) and sister Yvonne McKelvey. Tom grew up in Belfast and attended the Royal Belfast Academical Institution where he excelled academically and represented the swimming and rugby teams. He was a lifelong rugby union fan and took a particular interest in the Irish team. He was also a member of the 62nd Belfast Scout Troop. After leaving school in 1950, Tom signed on as an apprentice with the Head Line (Ulster Steamship Co., Ltd.) winning the Thomas Gray Memorial Medal along the way. He progressed through all ranks attaining his Master’s ticket and Extra Master’s Certificate of Competency in 1960. He sailed to Baltic and Mediterranean ports but more frequently he sailed across the Atlantic Ocean. He won the J.L. Hudson Trophy as Master of the S.S. Carrigan Head, the first foreign cargo ship to dock at Detroit Harbour in the 1967 season. She was also the first ship into Chicago and the whole voyage was featured on a BBC documentary entitled “Westbound on E Track”. In 1969 Tom left the Head Line and took up an interim position as Deputy Harbour Master with the Belfast Harbour Commissioners. The next year he crossed the water to Lowestoft, England and was appointed Marine Superintendent with the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food (MAFF). He remained in this position until 1982 supervising a fleet of seven fisheries research vessels. Having missed out on the opportunity for further education due to his seagoing career, Tom embarked on a degree programme through the Open University in 1971. He was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics with first class honours in 1978. In 1982 Tom made the decision to emigrate to Canada and took up the position of Marine Superintendent with Brunterm Ltd in Saint John, NB. He was able to reconnect with several Head Line friends and spent a happy six years before once again moving, this time to his final employment as Director of Operations for the Atlantic Pilotage Authority until he retired in 1998. Professionally, Tom was a member of the Royal Institute of Navigation, a livery member of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners, and was granted the Freedom of the City of London with this latter organization. In retirement he travelled with June but also gave freely of his time to many charities and societies; The Royal Commonwealth Society, Probus, St. Paul’s Home, St. George’s hot meals to name but a few. His volunteer activities were rewarded with the award of Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. A man of deep faith, Tom was a long standing parishioner of St. Paul’s Anglican Church and held several key positions within this church. A memorial service will be held at 11a.m. on Tuesday, 31 August 2021 at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Halifax. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Victorian Order of Nurses, St. Paul’s Anglican Church or a charity of your choice.

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Condolences

  • 07/01/2024

    Micheailin MacAlsandair

    I joined mv Fair Head during 1964 as 3rd Mate, Tom Sellers was Master. I only came to appreciate his seamanship in February 1965 when we departed Liverpool for Baie Comeau. The weather deteriorated so quickly we dropped our pilot in Douglas bay, Isle of Man rather than off Great Ormes Head in Wales. We made for the Coast of Ireland, seeking a lee, as the Master decided to take the southern route around Ireland, hoping to see an improvement in weather. We rounded Tuskar Rock and almost came to a standstill in F9 headwinds. Worse was to come. We experienced four hurricanes,one following the other. The normal voyage time to Halifax was about 10 days, ours took 28 days. Our ship suffered much damage and the forecast radar unit was torn from it's mountings and blown away. Only for his great command and skill of seamanship we would surely have perished. I am in no doubt, that I have Captain Tom Sellers, to thank for my life. Remembered with affection. Micheailin MacAlsandair

  • 09/07/2021

    Bill Scott

    Many good memories of Tom as a long standing member of the Friday Lunch Crowd. Only 3 left as time passes. Farewell good friend on this last voyage - Fair winds and following seas.

  • 08/30/2021

    Stephen Moore

    Happy memories of Tom. A lovely man. Our connection with him was relatively brief, but he and June left an indelible mark with us. Steve & Diane Moore, Lowestoft

  • 08/21/2021

    Donald H . Duffy

    I was very sorry to hear of Captain Sellers passing. To his family, please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Tom was always a true gentleman and a highly respected mariner. While working at the Atlantic Pilotage Authority it was indeed always a pleasure to see him. He was a good man. Donald Duffy Saint John Harbor Pilot retired.

  • 08/21/2021

    Chandra & Lystra Gosine

    Chandra and Lystra Gosine would like to offer our deep sympathy to the family. Tom was such a kind and gentle person. May he rest in peace especially as he is now with June

  • 08/20/2021

    Nelson Pittman

    Saddened to hear of Tom's passing! He fair and kind and will always be remembered as such! He was a gentleman to work with! Capt. Nelson Pittman

  • 08/20/2021

    Shaun Dauphinee

    Sincere condolences on the passing of Captain Sellers. I remember Tom as a competent, fair, and collaborative Director of Operations at APA. I worked as a launch master from 1985 til 1997 then as a pilot from 1997 til 2021. Sincerely Captain Shaun Dauphinee Halifax Harbor Pilot (Retired)

  • 08/19/2021

    Monica ( Gilligan ) Kettlewell

    So saddened to hear of the passing of your Dad RIP. Glad he spent his last months cared for by family no one could ask for more. Condolences from all the Kettlewell family in Lowestoft. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless. Monica

  • 08/19/2021

    Jim Northern Ireland

    Please go to youTube type Carrigan Head 1967 Jim Northern Ireland

  • 08/18/2021

    Chris and Christina Corkett

    Christopher and Christina Corkett offer our condolences to Tom's family. Tom was a dedicated member of the Nova Scotia Branch of the Royal Commonwealth Society and worked for many years with Chris to plan and organize many events, social gatherings, and sending Christina special noticies and news happening in Brazil (her native land). Tom hosted many receptions at his cottage in Hubbards to members of the RCSNS yearly lobster dinner in Hubbards. Tom was a gentleman, great friend, and dedicated to well-being of society.

  • 08/18/2021

    Peter MacArthur

    I was deeply saddened to read of the passing of Captain Tom. Tom started at the Atlantic Pilotage Authority about one week before I did in 1988. He was an outstanding teacher to me on all things to do with marine and nautical subjects, and I had the utmost respect for him. He will be sadly missed.

  • 08/17/2021

    Judi Carman

    On behalf of myself and my late father, Raymond Carman, you have my genuine condolences. My father enjoyed Probus and time at St. Paul's with Tom over the past years (pre-Covid). Your memories will be a comfort in times to come. Sincerely, Judi Carman

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