Shipmate Mike Seaward ~ Torbay Branch
On Monday 20th July, Torbay Branch bid farewell to long-time Shipmate Mike Seaward. He passed away peacefully after a battle with several medical conditions. Mike had been Vice President of the Branch until recently when he stepped down.
Mike was born on 24th November 1943 in Torquay, the second of five children. Growing up in Torquay, his early life was tough and his family fondly remembered him as a bit of a tearaway.
Mike spent much of his school years in a Barnardo’s home in the New Forest, where he remained something of a rebel, getting into mischief, and playing cricket although those years shaped him positively. At the age of 16 he went straight from Bernardo’s into the Royal Navy, which became one of the loves of his life.
For Mike, the Navy was his first love. He faced some early ‘challenges’ with the Regulating Branch, but gradually overcame them. After training as a Writer onboard HMS Ganges and Pembroke, his first seagoing ship was HMS Ausonia, a former Cunard liner converted during World War II and serving as a submarine support ship during his time onboard.
While on leave, Mike returned to Torquay in uniform and met his wife Irene. They married in July 1965. At his father’s funeral, Mike’s son remarked on his mother’s incredible belief that she could tame the rebellious boy who enjoyed a drink and spent his days sailing around the world.
Mike served on several ships including HM Ships Hermes and Fearless. He also spent two years in Singapore on a married accompanied draft. Additionally, he served in shore establishments such as HMS Nelson in Portsmouth and BRNC Dartmouth. There he met shipmates he would later reunite with at Torbay RNA.
After leaving the Royal Navy, Mike worked for the NHS at Torbay Hospital, and after retirement, he became a Magistrate in Torbay for over 10 years, taking him full circle from the rebellious kid and young man, to a role in making sure that law and order and fairness, happened in his town.
Throughout his 25 years in the Royal Navy, Mike forged many friendships and achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer Writer. Some of his former shipmates were able to wish him ‘Fair Winds and a Following Sea’ at his funeral in Torquay.
Shipmate, rest easy. Someone else will balance the ledgers and pay the wages.
As the recruiting advert says, ‘Born in Torbay but Made in the Royal Navy’!