Honourable Seamus Bernard O'Regan
April 9, 1942 to November 19, 2020
Obituary
Seamus passed peacefully away in his 79th year on the 19th of November at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital. Leaving to mourn his beloved wife of 51 years, Janet (nee Harris); sons Seamus (Stelios Doussis) and Danny (Leah Smith); daughter Raili Flynn (Matt); and grandchildren, Elizabeth, Michael and Billy Flynn, and Daniel O’Regan. Predeceased by his parents Dr. Donal and Mary O’Regan; brothers Kevin and Donal; and sister Sheilagh Byrne.
Seamus was born in St. John’s and proudly attended Holy Cross School. He continued his education at Memorial University and Dalhousie Law School, class of 1968 . He was called to the Bar of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1968. He was appointed to the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1984 retiring in 2017. Seamus spent many years on the bench in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and came to love the Big Land.
Seamus’ wit, kind nature and gift for storytelling will be missed by his family, wide circle of friends and colleagues. With his passing, we are reminded of his wish that we “be good to each other.”
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life will occur once COVID restrictions have been lifted.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador. https://www.autism.nf.net/donate/
To the entire O’Regan family,
An odd note to be sure, but I just wanted to extend my deepest condolences on Mr O’Regan’s passing. Although he would most likely not have remembered me, he was the presiding judge in my divorce. I found him to be honest, principled and fair, without exception, and I know our provincial justice system will be the lesser for his absence. God bless to all.
To Janet and all of the family who love. and miss him,
I just heard about Seamus’s passing. Both Linda and I are grateful that we had an opportunity to reconnect with Seamus at our Dalhousie Law School 50th reunion. He will be remembered by so many for his wisdom, his wit, his sense of humor and his kindness.
Rich Henderson
Mrs. O’Regan, Danny, Seamus and Rali,
So sorry for your loss. Please accept our deepest condolences.
-The Halley Family
To Minister O’Regan and family,
My sincere condolences for the loss of your father.
You’re all in my thoughts and prayers so sorry for your loss of your Dad.
Dear Janet & Family,
I am very sorry to hear of Seamus’ passing. He was a good guy..Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
John Buckle
Janet, Seamus, Rali, and Danny,
Our most sincere condolences for the loss of Seamus.
We have fond memories of great times in Goose Bay at various functions with all nation representatives. present. We will all miss the vivacious and bright humor of Seamus. Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand . RIP
Bob & Ginette Jodoin RCAF
Seamus and family: So very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I hope the great memories and stories provide some comfort during this very difficult time. Best wishes and prayers to you all.
Janet and the O’Regan family:
Sincere condolences on the passing of Seamus. Very best wishes you all.
Janet, Seamus, Rali, and Danny,
Extended to you all are our deepest condolences. Bev and I wish for you peace and memorable reflections during this trying time. Take care of each other and stay well.
Beverley and Jerry Dean
À toute la famille O’Regan, toutes mes sympathies. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief.
Janet, Seamus, Raili, and Danny,
My condolences on the loss of a great man. Seamus was always quick with a smile and to stop for a chat when I saw him over the years, he usually had a funny story to share.
Thinking about you at this difficult time.
Andrea Stack
Dear Minister O’Regan,
I wanted to convey my most sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of your father.
I know the past weeks have been difficult. In this moment of great sadness, I hope you and your family had the opportunity to offer support to one another and share stories about the good moments you had with your father.
Warm regards,
Frank
Janet, Seamus, Danny & Raili please accept the condolences of Alicia Eaton’s family on the passing of Seamus; husband, father, and grandfather. You are in our thoughts and prayers..
Janet, Seamus, Danny and Raili,
Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I have always enjoyed listening to Seamus whenever he shared an interesting story, politics, arts, and/or jokes during my visis to both Janet and him. He will be greatly missed. Hugs to all the family.
Janet, Seamus, Danny and Raili,
Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I have always enjoyed listening to Seamus whenever he shared an interesting story, politics, arts, and/or jokes whenever I was visiting both Janet and him. He will be greatly missed. Hugs to all the family.
Janet and family:
Our condolences on the passing of a wonderful person. Seamus was witty and wise, and a great mentor to all who were in contact with him. Seamus and Janet were always so welcoming to me, sharing great meals together full of laughter and warmth. Seamus was a bright light who made the world a better place. He will truly be missed.
Abe and Eden Schwartz
My sympathies to the family in the passing of a mentor
of mind and Newfoundlander to the core.When Seamus was a crown prosecutor he was my go to person with cases that originated from the Port of St. John’s.He guided me with great skill and the nuisances of the law which I was ever grateful.On top of that was the person
with wit and humor to make your day ever more fruitful.
He will be sorely missed by all that him.
J Sidney Peckford
Janet and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Be assured the sorrows of today will fade and fond memories will prevail.
Edwin Hussey and Lois Bourne
Janet and Family
It’s hard to imagine what you are going through at this sad time. Please accept our sincere sympathy on the passing of your wonderful husband , father and grandfather. We will remember him as a kind and gentle person. Hopefully pleasant memories of him will replace some of the deep sorrow you are feeling now. If there is anything we can do to help feel free to call anytime. Take care and God Bless
Jan, We were so sorry to hear of Seamus passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family. He was a wonderful man, and I know he will be sorely missed.
Carolyn and Gary Butler
Janet and family,
So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you all. May he rest in peace. Joan Kehoe
Janet, Seamus, Danny and Raili and families. My deepest condolences on Seamus’ passing. Some of my fondest memories are of his evening visits to check on. my progress while I renovated what would become my home in Hamilton Heights. There are so many other fond memories as well whether on the slopes of Snow Goose mountain or dropping by his office or his house for a visit. His wish that “we be good to each other” was so very true in my case. I was pleased to be able to visit him in the past year to say thank you. A wonderful man. My very best to you all.
Dear Janet and family, both Kevin and I are saddened to learn of the passing of your beloved husband and father. He was well respected in both the legal community and in the community at large. His loss will be profoundly felt. I pray that with time you will be healed from your grief. If I can help you in any way Janet, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
With love,
Cathy (Francis)
To Janet and family
My thoughts are with you and the family at this time.
My deepest sympathy in your time of loss.
Janet and family of Seamus
He had a remarkable life and in his day and generation he made a difference to many who will remember him with fondness.
Many share you loss today and will reflect on the life and times of Seamus O ‘regan
I’m glad to say he was my friend.
A good man passes !
He is now at rest and may that rest be in peace
God speed Seamus.
Our condolences on the passing of Seamus. What a wonderful person. Always a pleasure to see coming through our doors. Hold on to the precious memories, cherish them forever.
One day at a time.
Love Hyperbarics staff
JANET
OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS TIME OF LOSS AND SADNESS
NOREEN AND JOHN LEWIS
To Janet, Seamus, and Daniel,
I feel privileged to have met Seamus and you all, he is a remarkable person. My condolences to you and your family for this profound loss. My heart is with you.
Janet Raili, Danny and Seamus,
Our condolences on the passing of Seamus. We will always remember his wit his story telling ability. He always made us feel comfortable in his presence.. A good person indeed.
Out thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Janet and family
Seamus was one of the “good guys”, who made us feel better, every time we saw him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rex and Joan
Mrs. O’Regan, Raili, Danny and Seamus, you are in our thoughts and prayers today. Newfoundland has lost a great son who will be missed but never forgotten. We will remember Mr. O’Regan’s sharp sense of humour, modesty and genuine nature. We will miss the Christmas visits where he would have us in fits of laughter in the midst of spirited debate. He left his mark in so many ways, especially through his beloved family which will carry on his legacy for many generations to come. God bless Mr. O’Regan.
Janet and family:
On behalf of my mother Margaret Russell and all the Russell family we send you our sincere condolences on Seamus’ death. My mother has such fond memories of Seamus and yourself and the various times Mom and Dad visited with you in Labrador. Mom also noted great memories of salmon fishing with you and Seamus on the beautiful rivers of “the big land.” We will continue to uphold you and all your family in our prayers.
Rev. Jim Russell
Janet and Family:
I am very sorry to hear of your sad news, it is a good thing that Seamus’ suffering has ended. He is a happy camper now. I have wonderful memories of all of us growing up.. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jackie MacNab
Janet and Family:
So saddened to hear of Seamus’ passing. I have such fond memories of our times in Halifax when Seamus, Doug and the other boyos were at law school. The stories, the laughter and the twinkle in his eye will never be forgotten. Take care of each other.
We arrived in Goose Bay the same year, 1984. Our paths crossed many times over the years. Always full of his zest for humour, his wit, and his concern for the common individual. They don’t make many like him any longer. Our condolences to the entire family!
Bill Smith ( Assistant Commissioner Ret’d)
RCMP “B” Division
Janet: We are thinking about you and your family during this sad time.
Shirley & Lloyal Burry
Danny,
Elizabeth and I extend our sincere condolences in your loss. I enjoyed meeting your dad whether at Holy Cross dinners or the Naval events he attended. A fine gentleman, a true Crusader, and a great Newfoundlander and Labradorian! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Dear Janet,
I was sad to hear of Seamus’s passing. He was a superlative judge but more than that . He was a good person, without pretension, kind , personable and always happy to stop for a friendly chat. Condolences to you and your family.
Sorry to hear this sad news. sincere condolences to the family. I met Seamus when he was attending Dal Law School and I was at UNB Law School. He was a friend since those days, a very nice person and will be missed by many
So sorry to hear. Our thoughts are with the family. We always enjoyed the subtle sense of humour Seamus brought to the table. He will be missed.
Janet; Sad to hear the news of Seamus passing.
Indeed a great neighbour.
Condolences to you and your family.
Dan, Lisa and Norah Grant
Condolences to The O’Regan Family, we are sorry for your loss. RIP Seamus from another Holy Cross Crusader.
My sympathies and condolences to you and your family. May he watch over all of you like a guardian angel would. May he rest in peace. Thank you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you travel down the long road of grief. Condolences to the whole family. We pray for comfort and calmness as you grieve.
Ginny and Michael Twiss
Vancouver., BC
It is so very sad that Seamus has gone out of our lives. From the early days of spaghetti and a bottle of Donini to oysters and martinis, our families shared many happy times…and many happy meals that Seamus excelled at creating (often using every dish in the kitchen!)
We have fond memories of Seamus playing tennis, snowmobiling, camping, canoeing and fishing. He was a terrific fisherman, raconteur and friend.
We are so glad to have shared recent times together in Cupids and in his back garden. He’ll be dearly missed.
Our condolences on the passing of Judge O’Regan to Janet and her family. Thinking of you all during this sad time.
From: Roger Pike, Warwick Pike and family
Mrs. O, Seamus Jr., Danny and Raili, accept my sincerest sympathies on the passing of Judge O’Regan.
I moved to Goose Bay in the early 90s to work for the Judge. No matter the situation, he always had something to say – funny and serious, he was always in the moment. A funny story or a serious discussion – you always knew you would listen intently. Everyone who sat in that courtroom respected him as a man of fairness and respect.
When a newly appointed greenhorn lawyer would enter the courthouse, he always made sure he made an effort to speak with them, welcome them to the profession and offer words of encouragement. And, when old friends of the court would come, he always made time to greet them and welcome them back.
He treasured his family – I knew that on my very first day. I was lucky enough work by his side for a number of years and consider my days spent in Goose as some of my favourites.
I ran into him in St. John’s a few years back and we picked up as if we had seen each other yesterday; instead of more than 20 years ago. He was like that!
I wish you all comfort in your grief and be safe in the knowledge that Judge O’Regan was a man among men and respected by all.
Thinking of you all during this sad time, Margie.
Janet and Family,
Rosemary and I were so saddened to hear of Seamus’s passing. His was a most unforgettable personality. I had followed him to Happy Valley / Goose Bay and soon learned of the genuine respect and affection in which he was held by the people there. He was a judicial icon, known and admired across Canada. Please accept our most sincere condolences.
Bob and Rosemary Fowler
Janet and Family,
So sad to hear of Seamus’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences as you (together ) face this difficult time. RIP.
Barry and Peggy Bartlett
The O’Regan Family
Saddened to hear of Seamus death. We had many good years salmon fishing at Woodward Lodge on the Eagle River in Labrador. My sympathy . Every blessing to the family .
Carl Major.
Our hearts are broken as we send our deepest condolences to The O’Regan Family.
As a family we shared special times in Happy Valley Goose Bay where we met. His friendship, wit, sense of humour and storytelling will always be a major part of our memory which we will cherish forever.
May he Rest In Peace..
Joe and Dottie MacDonald
Dear Janet,
We are saddened to learn of Seamus’ death. He was ‘sui generis’, one of a kind, gone, but never forgotten. We, like so many others, have many pleasant memories. Our sincerest sympathies to you and your family. ……..Denis and Vivian
Janet, Seamus Jr. & family
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Seamus. He was a wonderful man and a great Newfoundlander/ Labradorian.
I always enjoyed chatting with him, hearing stories both compelling and witty. Karen and I will certainly miss him.
Condolences to all.
Karen and Sandy Hickman
My deepest condolences..
Judge O’Regan was a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of being his podiatrist for the past 20 years. A humble man who rubbed shoulders with a US President and Canadian Prime Minister, he never lost his sense of humor. My sincere condolences to his family.
Mrs. O’Regan, Seamus Jr., Danny and Raili:
So very sorry to hear of Justice O’Regan’s passing. He will certainly be missed by all who knew him.
With my sincere condolences.
My most sincere condolance to the family.
Rest in peace ???? jean marie marcadier
My condolences to Mrs. O’Regan and family. Justice O’Regan was always very kind to me and all those who appeared before him. He was always very interested in my career and was a wonderful mentor. He told captivating stories, as though he was letting me in on a secret – sometimes he was. I hope somebody has written his stories down. His smile was infectious and his sense of humour unmatched. He will certainly be missed.
Sincere condolences to the family. Seamus was loved by all who knew him. He enjoyed Goose Bay and all the Big Land had to offer. He will be sorely missed. RIP Seamus.
We wish to extend our prayers and sympathy to Janet and family on the passing of the Honourable Justice Seamus O’Regan. I have vivid memories of Seamus as a student at Holy Cross. He was always a bright, pleasant and compassionate person. On the occasions when we met in later life, he was engaging, upbeat and regaled us with some of his numerous stories especially at the annual Holy Cross Reunion Dinner. May his soul Rest In Peace.
Frank and Rosemary Galgay
Our sincere condolences to Janet and family. We have many wonderful memories of our time with the O’Regan family in Goose Bay. Seamus was a wonderful man and we will always remember him fondly. He will be greatly missed. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary and Ed Lannon
So very sorry for your family’s loss.
“Uncle” Seamus , as Brenda would allow me to call
him, was such a lovely man.
He will be greatly missed.
Condolence to the Familly,
Condolences to all the family on the passing of such a beautiful man. In all my years of nursing he was one of my very favourite patients . He loved you all and spoke of you all with such great pride RIP Seamus
Susan and I send our deepest condolences to Janet, Seamus, Danny, Raili and their families on the passing of our dear friend and colleague Seamus. He was an outstanding storyteller with an infectious sense of humour. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Jim and Susan Adams
We remember fondly our time spent as first time home buyers. and neighbours. It was a memorable time.
Janet & family we grieve your loss. Seamus was a gift to this world and not easily forgotten.
Janet and family,
We were saddened to hear of Seamus’ passing. He was simply the best. So many memories, all of them bring smiles and laughter. His glass was always half full, never half empty. His smile and that twinkle in his eye will forever be remembered. May all of your wonderful memories of him carry you all during this part of life’s journey.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your father was a remarkable man, he will be missed.
Pat and Joanne Thompson
Janet, Seamus, Danny, Raili and families, My condolences to you on Seamus’ passing. Such a great loss for you all. I know you have a collection of wonderful family memories that will keep Seamus close to your hearts. I remember Seamus as a fine gentleman. Thinking of you at this difficult time, Yvonne Roach.
To Janet and all your family,
We were so sorry to hear that Seamus has left us., though leaving a great mark indeed on those who knew him, and knew of him. He will certainly be missed by many. You are in our thoughts during this difficult time. We send our most sincere condolences. Ray & Marie
It’s been a long time since we have seen Seamus. We have great memories of him as a husband and father. And friend. His humor will be missed.
Dick Diane Wiseman
To Janet, Seamus, Danny, Raili and the entire family I send my sincere condolences. Such a loss. As a young man, dating Janet’s sister Margie, I was totally smitten with this dashing young lawyer. He was handsome, funny, erudite, generous and kind. Over the years Seamus never once failed to stop and chat and always inquired how I was doing. A class act. He loved his family and he loved the law. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
My deepest condolences to the entire O’Regan family for their loss. Seamus seemed like the type of person everyone wanted around, filled with wit, humour, and interesting anecdotes from his many adventures and the family he held dear. I hope everyone may find peace in his memory, and offer my humblest sympathies to everyone who knew him.