Wallace Dean Seida
October 14, 1951 – May 17, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Wally Seida. On Saturday May 17th, 2025. Wally passed away peacefully surrounded by his beloved wife Norine and their daughters. His departure was marked by the same love and strength that defined his life.
Wallace Dean Seida, fondly known as Wally, was born on October 14, 1951—the third son and fourth child of Gladys and Albert Seida. He was raised in the east end of Moose Jaw, attending Victoria and Prince Arthur elementary schools, where he developed early on into a gifted athlete. Wally played football, basketball, and baseball, and enjoyed the simple pleasures of growing up on the East end, shooting guns, playing with friends, and running a muck with his brothers.
One of his fondest childhood memories was his long-running paper route, which he often spoke about with pride. That hard working spirit would carry him through his life.
Wally attended A.E. Peacock Technical School, where he continued to excel in sports. He played football, basketball, and competed in track and field. His efforts were recognized when he was named Athlete of the Year in 1971. During his Grade 12 year, Wally started working for CP Rail which would become his lifelong career. Wally enjoyed his time at the CPR making many friendships that would last a lifetime.
In 1973, Wally met Norine Chartrand and they were together ever since. They married on May 18, 1974, and built a strong, lasting partnership that spanned more than 50 years.
Wally and Norine welcomed three daughters into their lives: Carla (1977), Deana (1980), and Robin (1984). Becoming a father to three girls softened Wally in the best ways. His daughters became his entire world.
Wally remained active in sports well into adulthood—playing senior men's basketball, no-hit hockey and slow-pitch. During this time he began coaching girls’ fastball, starting with his daughters’ teams. From 1991 to 2002, Wally was a passionate and dedicated coach, known for his competitive spirit and deep care for every player. He often reminisced fondly about those years and the many lives he touched through sport.
After retiring from the railway in 2004, Wally filled his days with golf, travel, fishing, and hunting. He was an avid fan of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Moose Jaw Warriors, but his true sports loyalty was to the Toronto Maple Leafs—never missing a game unless his grandchildren were playing, of course.
Wally's greatest joy came from supporting his daughters and grandchildren in their sports. He never missed a game or tournament if he could help it. He spent countless hours in the backyard catching for Deana and Robin—never too tired, never too busy. The backyard rules were simple, don’t dirt the ball or send it over the fence into the neighbour’s yard. No wonder both girls were known for their accuracy and strong pitching skills. He and Norine devoted their lives to being there for their children and grandchildren, in every way possible.
In 2015, Wally was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He underwent major back surgery to save his spinal cord and faced years of treatment, including two stem cell transplants and multiple rounds of chemotherapy. Through it all, he remained positive, strong, and full of love for his family. Even through constant pain, he showed up at games, at tournaments, cheering from the sidelines. His grandchildren will always remember him as their biggest fan, affectionately calling him Grandpa Wallet for the $5, $10, or $20 bills he’d slip them after every game. To Wally, sports weren’t just a pastime, they were life. And he lived that life fully.
Wally was predeceased by his father Albert, mother Gladys, brother Bill (Linda), and infant daughter Ann Margaret.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 51 years, Norine; daughter Carla O’Reilly (Dean) and grandson Cameron; daughter Deana Kempel (Bret) and granddaughters Ada and Carly; and daughter Robin Bushko (Denny) and granddaughters Mannie, Prestyn, and Reese.
He is also survived by his siblings Steve (Lynn), Bonnie (Gary), and J.R.; and Norine’s family: sister Colleen; brothers John (Cammie), Blaine (Colleen), Thane, Jamie (Amy), and Rob (Karen), along with many cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Wally’s legacy of love, loyalty, and laughter will live on through everyone who knew him. He was a coach, a teammate, a fan, a husband, a father, a grandfather and above all, a truly good man.
A Celebration of Wally’s life will be held on Friday, May 23rd, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Moose Jaw Shrine Club, 1767 Main St. North. For friends and family who are unable to attend, you are invited to view the service virtually by going to https://www.youtube.com/live/-oiEW-jsfa4. Wally was a proud supporter of Moose Jaw Minor girls fastball. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Moose Jaw Minor Girls Fastball at [email protected] in Wally’s name. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Cara Ashworth, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com
