Obituary of Seldon Joseph Keating

Obituary - Seldon Joseph Keating April 12, 1954 – November 30, 2025 It is with great sadness and broken hearts that family announces the passing of Seldon J Keating of Little Harbour on November 30, 2025. Born on April 12, 1954 in Little Harbour, Seldon was the beloved son of Douglas and Gloria (nee Power) Keating and the oldest son of eight children. Seldon is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Debbie Keating (nee Turple), son Seldon Keating Jr of Clam Harbour and his partner Deanna Armstrong. Lake Echo; grandson Chase Keating; Lori Lowther Chase’s mother, Jeddore; granddaughters Jorja and Lia Keating; Heather Crowell Jorja & Lia’s mother; sisters Sheila (Joey) Martin; Becky (Tom) Jessome; Myrene Keating-Owen; brothers Grant (Lee) Keating; Doug (Cathy) Keating; Cyril (Susan) Keating; brother-in-laws, Eugene (Faith) Webber, Randall (Lynn) Turple; sister-in-laws Cathy (Harold) Turple; Denise (Kerry) Stevens; MaryLou Turple and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Seldon was predeceased by his son Jason P Keating; parents Douglas and Gloria (Power) Keating; father-in-law Elmore Turple; mother-in-law Myrtle (McKay) Turple; and sister-Faith Webber and brother-in-law Wade Owen. Seldon was a proud and loving grandfather to Jorja, Chase, and Lia—each holding a special place in his heart, along with a nickname he chose for each of them: George Tom Tibbo (AKA Jorja), Spikehorn (AKA Chase), and Sue Sally Sue (AKA Lia). He took great joy in teaching them how to hunt and fish, set rabbit snares, drive the tractor and ATV, and embrace the skills and values that shaped his own life—kindness, responsibility, and a deep respect for the land. In his younger years, Seldon loved spending time with his friends and siblings—combing the shoreline and barons, daring the occasional jump over ice clampers, and helping the men on the fish trap and proudly cruising around in his Firebird. He grew up surrounded by the love and support of his three brothers and four sisters—relationships they all cherished and held dear to them; someone that they idolized and were proud to call their brother. Seldon left home early on to work with the Canadian Coast Guard aboard the Sir Humphrey Gilbert Icebreaker based out of St. John’s, NL where he spent approximately seven years at sea. It was after these seven years he knew that his passion was on the sea but in a different capacity - he returned home to Little Harbour where he followed closely in his father’s footsteps, building a lifelong career as a fisherman— lobstering and long-line fishing along the shores he loved so deeply. As the years went by, Seldon grew noticeably gentler, though those who knew him in his younger days will remember a spirited nature that sometimes flared a little brighter than he intended. It was simply part of the determination and passion that shaped the man he became. Seldon was well known throughout his community as a hardworking, dependable, and generous man—often recognized by his many plaid shirts and affectionately nicknamed ‘The Captain’ or ‘Relic’ over the years. Whether it was before dawn snow plowing, helping neighbours in need, or keeping his well-known “shed shop” stocked with anything that might fix a last-minute mechanical fishing boat issue for the local fishermen, he was the one people called—and he always showed up. But honestly, what child couldn’t tell a story about his endless teasing? Nothing—and no one—was ever off limits. From ‘snaring the Easter Bunny’ to simply being a lovable pest, he kept everyone on their toes. Seldon was a wealth of knowledge when it came to the surroundings of the local area of the ocean where he worked and played. He took great pride in helping others and was an active member of the Eastern Shore Fisherman’s Association and a long-standing member of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary. One memorable event, making newspaper headlines and appearing in court records, was the successful rescue and recovery of a helicopter by Seldon and a few other local men. It was a story worth telling, and one he was truly proud to be part of. Debbie and Seldon came from families known for their care and generosity. In their early years together, they lived with Debbie’s parents while establishing their home and raising their two boys, enjoying the support and guidance of family. They created a warm and welcoming household, always ready to share a meal prepared by Debbie, with a freezer full of baked goods and dishes for anyone who might drop by unexpectedly. Seldon Jr and Jason grew up surrounded by cousins, encouraged to explore a variety of interests—from hockey and hunting to simply spending time together—always supported by the love and guidance of family. Seldon cherished the simple pleasures of life: a good game of cards; especially his nightly crib games with his mom, a good cup of morning coffee with Donnie, a yarn with Mike next door, a quiet day trout fishing, rabbit snaring adventures with his grandchildren or on Long Island, long ATV rides shared with family and friends, time spent at the helm of his tractor, and eventually, the peaceful routine of caring for their garden with Debbie on Lemmon Hill. Seldon took great pride in his pumpkin patch and blueberry fields that yielded countless berries that he loved sharing with family, friends and others. Seldon and Debbie cherished their camp haven on Swinemar Lane —a place filled with laughter, lasting friendships and countless memories. The music, the conversations, and the warmth of the people of Lemmon Hill and area brought them immense joy, and they were truly grateful to be part of it. There was no greater passion for Seldon than hunting and guiding. From a young age, he hunted alongside his father, learning everything his dad had to teach. In later years, he proudly passed that same knowledge—along with a deep respect for safety—on to the next generation, including his cherished grandchildren and other family members. Seldon spent more than thirty years guiding in Cape Breton’s Cape North, where he formed many lasting friendships, including a lifelong bond with his dear friend, Charles Briand. He never turned down an opportunity to guide, but the trips he treasured most were those shared with his father, Wade and his three brothers, along with other family and friends. Always prepared and always dedicated, Seldon spent countless hours scouting, tracking, calling, waiting, and taking part in successful hunts. There was never a quiet season for him—geese, ducks, trout, deer, rabbits, moose, and everything in between filled his years with adventure and purpose. In recent days, his family, friends, and community have shared memories that speak to the man he was: “My Uncle Seldon brought warmth, laughter, and kindness into the lives of everyone who knew him.” “How do you put into words your presence, guidance, knowledge, humour, and the way you adored your grandchildren?” “He was my go-to. Whenever I called, he would help—big or small. If there was a storm, he’d be at my door at 5:30 a.m. with his tractor, plowing me out right to the pavement.” “A true role model of what it means to be a man of your word, and to give without recognition.” “You taught me many things, big brother, but not how to let you go.” “To us he was Grandad—to me, a second father. A giant kid at heart who always put others first.” “May your sails always catch wind.” After a year marked by profound loss within the family, Seldon’s passing leaves an unimaginable emptiness. Yet the many stories shared—of kindness, humour, late-night plowing, fishing trips, hunting mornings, and his unwavering love for his family—are reminders of the extraordinary man he was. We take comfort in believing that he is now reunited with his son Jason, sailing calm waters and sharing a well-earned rest. “Rest in peace Granddad, thank you for teaching me so many things that I know now. All the mornings and evenings deer hunting or days going lobstering with you will always stay in my heart forever, I will forever cherish every memory.” Arrangements have been entrusted to D.S. Crowell & Son Funeral Home, Sheet Harbour. At this time, no funeral service will be held. A service is planned for the Spring 2026. The family will provide the date and details as soon as they are arranged. Please take the time to go into the Tribute Book and leave a note or story for Seldon’s family. Your memories and stories are part of their healing and deeply appreciated. Thank you! Debbie, Seldon Jr and immediate family would like to thank everyone for their tremendous love and support. The kindness shown through visits, messages, food, and shared memories has brought comfort and strength during a very difficult time. A heartfelt thank-you to the local and province-wide fishing community for the unwavering support you showed Seldon over the years; your kindness has never gone unnoticed. To his dear friends, Frankie Rhyno, Bill Geddes and Billy Nieforth—your friendships and support to Seldon and our family over the years have been truly invaluable. To Roger Stevens and Laurie Clarke - your kindness, compassion, and care during these difficult times have meant more to us than words can fully express. To our siblings and their spouses, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins— we don’t know how we would have made it through these days without you. Your love and support has been nothing short of extraordinary; we love you.