Robert "Bugsy" Seward

It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Peter Robert “Bugsy” Seward, age 86, of Glace Bay, who passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at the Provincial Palliative Care Center in Charlottetown, PEI.

Dad was proudly born and raised in Glace Bay where he dedicated much of his life to two main vocations; education and sport.

His career in education spanned more than three decades as a teacher and counselor at Morrison High and Glace Bay High School. Dad cherished the relationships he formed during his time in education with both colleagues and students alike and maintained many of those connections long after his days in the classroom were over.

Sport played an integral role in shaping dad’s life. He achieved accolades while playing both baseball and hockey at a high level of competition, most notably with the Acadia Axemen, Oland’s Bay Byes and Glace Bay Senior Miners. His playing days were highlighted with an induction into the Acadia Axemen “Hockey Honour Roll” in 1996 and Cape Breton Sport Hall of Fame in 2010. But perhaps dad’s proudest accomplishment in the field of sport occurred after his time as an athlete was over.

In 1965, dad initiated the Glace Bay Community Hockey Clinic and assisted with its direction and operation continuously until 1985. Over two decades, “Bugsy” passionately worked alongside numerous dedicated coaches and volunteers to grow the game and instill a love for hockey within the youth of Glace Bay. Dad genuinely enjoyed coaching kids and cherished every minute he spent on the ice. He was acknowledged for this work with an induction into the Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association “Wall of Fame” in 2025, an honor for which he was deeply grateful. The fruits of this labour continue to thrive within the vibrant minor hockey community of his beloved Glace Bay to this very day.

Dad also loved to travel, be it spring trips to South Carolina with family and friends or jaunts to New England in the fall. He especially enjoyed spending time in Boston over the years, visiting relatives, taking in a Bruins game or watching the Sox at Fenway on a warm summer afternoon. He also loved his life in beautiful PEI, but his only regret was the trip he didn’t get to take: back to his native Cape Breton one final time, and to the place for which he cared most, Catalone. He cherished this special place and, most of all, his “Catalone kin,” with whom he shaped land, raised families and created a lifetime of wonderful memories.

Dad was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Mary Seward, and his sister, Shirley Miller. He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Catherine, who was by his side throughout his illness. He is also survived by his daughter, Kerri (Steve), son, Craig (Alanna), nieces, nephews and many incredible friends. Most notably, he leaves behind his three cherished grandchildren: Paige, Camden, and Ethan—who loved their “Papa” dearly.

Dad’s grandchildren were his greatest gift. The amount of joy and pride he felt while watching them grow and thrive in school, sport, and life was truly immeasurable. They were his everything.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 18th from 6-9 pm at Patten Funeral Home, 71 Union St, Glace Bay. A celebration of life will take place at Glace Bay United Church, 44 Fifth Street, Glace Bay, NS on Thursday, March 19th at 2pm. Burial will occur later in the spring.

Donations in memory may be made to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation (Cancer Center), the Provincial Palliative Care Centre in Charlottetown, PEI or a charity of your choice. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family by visiting pattenfuneral.com