Byron Seaman, one of the founding owners of the Flames, died at the age of 97 on Thursday. Seaman and his late brother Daryl were among six Calgary men, along with Nelson Skalbania, who helped move the team from Atlanta to Alberta in 1980. (Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press)

Calgary Flames founding co-owner Byron 'B.J.' Seaman dead at 97

Byron Seaman (BE'45, Hon. DSc'92) and his late brother Daryl (BE'48, Hon. LLD'82) were co-owners of NHL franchise for 30 years.

By The Canadian Press

Byron Seaman, one of the founding owners of the Calgary Flames, has died at age 97, as reported by CBC News.

Byron James "B.J." Seaman and his late brother Daryl "Doc" Seaman were among six Calgary men along with Nelson Skalbania who bought the Atlanta Flames and moved the NHL club to Alberta in 1980.

The Seaman brothers were co-owners of the NHL franchise for 30 years.

B.J. Seaman, who was born in Rouleau, Sask., died Saturday in Calgary, according to an obituary posted on the website of McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes.

"We remain forever grateful for the prominent role B.J. and his brother Doc played in bringing the NHL to Calgary," Flames co-owner and chairman Murray Edwards said Thursday in a statement released by the team.

"He was devoted to his family and lived a life of dedication to our Calgary community. We will miss B.J.'s friendship and support and send our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones and friends."

Byron, Daryl and brother Don arrived in Alberta for the start of an oil and gas boom in the 1950s. The siblings founded Seaman Engineering and Drilling, which later became Bow Valley Industries.

Byron was inducted in the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and a recipient of the Governor General's medal. He received an honorary degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1992.

Read the full article at https://www.cbc.ca.