Richard (Rick) Francis Seaward
April 3, 1947 to December 5, 2025
Obituary
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Richard (Rick) F. Seaward, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and esteemed journalist, who died suddenly on December 5, 2025, in St. John’s, NL. Born on April 3, 1945, in Port aux Basques, Rick dedicated his professional life to journalism. He began his journey in radio, but found his long-standing professional home at CBC TV, where he became a fixture on the evening news program, Here and Now until his retirement. Rick was an award winning journalist who despite being quiet and unassuming in his personal life, had unwavering focus and commitment when chasing a story.
Rick was predeceased by his loving parents, William and Hazel Seaward of Gander. He leaves to mourn his devoted wife of nearly 56 years, Linda. He will be dearly missed by his son Jonathan and his daughter Kimberley McLennan (Rob) and granddaughter Fiona. He is also lovingly remembered by his brother Keith (Marilyn), and their children William, Jeffrey (Elle) and Jessica (George). Rick leaves behind an extended circle of family, former colleagues, and friends.
At his request, cremation has occurred and visitation will be scheduled in January.
Donations in his memory to the NL Autism Society would be gratefully appreciated by the family.
“Better to light one little candle than to curse the darkness”
-William Lonsdale Watkinson
Rick’s work station was next to mine during the 9 years I worked at CBC St. John’s. I always found Rick to be a dedicated and efficient reporter. He could see through all the verbal fog interview subjects could throw at him.
I extend most sincere condolences to Linda and all members of the Seaward family.
Phil Smith
Stephenville Crossing
We are saddened to hear of Rick’s passing and your loss. I remember interacting with him when we would visit the family on Fraser Road and spend time together in ‘the Park’. I see him in old family photos taken in the late 50’s and 60’s. I have more vivid memories of when he lived with us in St. John’s as he attended MUN. Boy!, the debates he would have with my father, Bob, on politics and world events. My father relished the intellectual sparring. Then, of course, he was seen daily on the evening CBC news.
Condolences to Linda, Jonathan, Kim and the extended family.
Very sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. My condlolences to his family. He did many stoires in his career and each handled with care and accuracy. When did a report – we all listened and took in the content. Cool calm and collected – a real professional.
May he rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon him.
So sorry to hear about he loss of your husband .. Out thoughts and prayers are with you. May the memories of your loved forever be a blessing to you all…
.Sincere condolences
Gail and Dan McGettigan
Condolences to Linda, Kim, Johnathan, and the Seaward family on the loss of a wonderful man. I have known Rick for close to 60 years – from our earliest university days – and Linda for almost as long. We spent many good times with them – from dinner parties to dances and various special events. Rick and I even golfed together – a game which held little promise for either of us.
Whenever I think of Rick, what mostly comes to mind is his devotion to family, his advocacy for the research and treatment of autism, and his passion for investigative journalism. He was also very thoughtful. I recall Rick and Linda as being the first of friends to make a hospital visit following the birth of our son Matthew in 1983.
Through the years Rick shared many stories and created many great memories which will be a blessing to family and friends, and a help during this sorrowful period.. You will be missed.
Terry and Barb Carlson
Kim,
So sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. Thinking of you and family at this difficult time.
Dear Linda, Jonathan, Kim and families.
I was so sorry to learn of Rick’s passing. He certainly left memories of a hard working dad and husband. May you keep his happy memories in your hearts always.
Korona (Reardon’s) Brophy music MDJH
I was saddened to learn of Rick’s sudden passing. He was a wonderful colleague at CBC for many years and he was a friend to all. What many might not know, besides being a top notch journalist , Rick was also a talented cartoonist. Once he created a booklet of images of the reporters that so captured the true personalities and traits of us all that I have kept it all these years and still treasure it .
My deepest condolences to Rick’s family .Rest in peace Rick. You did well.
My condolences to Linda, her son and daughter, and to Keith on the loss of a true gentleman . In the 1960’s I used to spend some time in Gander and got to know Rick and Keith. That was indeed fortuitous as Rick introduced me to “Margie Baird” of Beaverwood , during a camping weekend in Terra Nova Park. Margaret just reminded me that the date was July 12, 1967 and time was about 3:30 PM.
Since that time Margaret and I all enjoyed chance encounters with Rick and enjoyed reminiscing about the great times in those early days .
Many the memories of a great guy help the family deal with mourning the loss of a husband, father and brother , and an old friend
Chris O’Dea
Linda,Kim, Jonathan I’m so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing.We go way back to when he joined CBC and we worked together on many news item and this often involved many trips and prompted many interesting chats to say the least.Multii phone calls in our retirements and lots of coffee yarns.You will be missed
Rip old friend
My condolences on Rick’s sudden passing. In Gander we grew up as teenagers next door to one another. Very sad.
Condolences to all family AND FRIENDS OF RICK Haven’t seen him in a number of years-BUT MANY MANY years ago he bought a home thru my Real-Estate CO, on a cul-de-sac near the end-of MacDonald Drive.ST. John’s, He was very well pleased with this purchase;So sorry to read about his passing-GOD Bless,JimCampbel l(ex R.C.A.F .RET’D)-Ret’D Real Estate BROKER OWNER-after 62 years ST.JOHN’S-Wife Nelia Campbell ST..John’s,, NFLD. (NEVER a 51st state-NEVER)
To all of Rick’s family and friends,
Sincerest Condolences.
Rick was the consummate journalist.
Full of stories and a dry wit.. May he RIP.
Linda and family,
Sorry to hear about Rick’s passing. It’s been a few years since I saw you both, but you often come to my mind.
Sincere condolences.
Linda and family,
I loved Rick’s stories and his enduring passion for journalism. I miss you both as lovely neighbours as well. My sincere condolences for such a big loss.
Sorry to hear of Rick’s passing.. We worked together for many years at CBC. He was a seasoned professinal and a very nice guy always. Rest in peace Rick.
To Linda and family,
I’m so sorry to hear that Rick has left us. I’m glad I had the chance to get to know him a little bit during our years in the St.John’s newsroom. Rick was someone I looked up to. He was a man with a quiet sense of humour who made a great contribution to his province. through his journalism.
Linda and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Rick’s sudden passing. My sincerest condolences. You are on my mind and in my prayers as you face this next journey. Susan
Linda and the Seaward family,
My sincere condolences are being sent to you right now. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you remember the love that he has left.
Please take good care and be kind to yourself on this journey,
Dale and Kelli Lambe
Most knew him as Rick but to school buds was always Rich. He lived next door to us in Gander on Fraser Rd and Dave on Brocken
Rich and the three of us , Chuck Batstone, Dave Warr and myself stayed in touch. We got to a school reunion and held our own reunion when we could get together in Gander, Halifax and Twillingate . Other school buds would often join us.
Linda , Keith and families we are going to miss him. Go forward with strength in his memories
Rich tried so hard to be on top of his medical problems.
He was with me at my sister in law’s funeral in St. John’s in August
Almost every day we check on each other
He would take joy in telling me that he just heard “Let’s Dance “ on the radio as was one of our favorites.
Love you bud. Your three “amigos will miss you. RIP
Fond memories of Rick, both before and during my media career. He was the real deal, chasing leads and shaking his head when the answers didn’t make sense. Then he would go deeper. He was a great story-teller, and set the bar for many of us. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.
My thoughts are and have been with the Seaward family since I heard of Rick’s passing. I know his absence will be deeply felt, but he will live on in your memories. He cared deeply about his family. Rick was a fine journalist who made the most of his news reporting talents – into his eighth decade. We communicated regularly and even up to the night of his passing he was engaged and discussing current U.S. policies and politics. He was a good friend to me, from 1976 until his death. I will miss my friend dearly. My sincere condolences to Rick’s partner Linda, their daughter Kim, son Jonathan, their grandchildren, friends and relatives. Bless you all.
Was so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. I had great admiration for his determination and ethics as a journalist, not to mention the fact that he was just a very nice fellow. Our condolences to the whole family.
Reg Sherren and Pamela Tennant.
Kim and family – please accept my sincere condolences during this difficult time. Take good care.
Linda…. I’m so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing….. I ran into Rick quite often at McDonalds and the last time I saw him I said “we have to stop meeting like this”…. I surely didn’t think it would be the last. Cherish all your wonderful memories. God Bless.
Sorry to read of Rick’s passing sending my condolences to his family.cut his hair for him several times at Central Barbershop in Avalon Mall and when I had Straight Edge Barbershop 💈.very quiet man ,but always struck up a conversation Rest in peace my friend
Linda and family, sorry to hear of Rick’s passing, I enjoyed working with Rick on Here and Now.
Rick Barnes and Gail Perry
Linda and family,
Condolences to the family.
Rick was involved with the Newfoundland Cardiac Rehabilitation Group for some time, I got to know him as a dedicated member, who enjoyed meeting the members of the group..
I knew he was having health issues for a while.Rest in peace my friend.
Sorry for your loss rip he is with God now
To all of Rick’s family my deepest sympathy at this time. Rick was one of the most dedicated journalists I have ever worked with. May he RIP.
Jim Byrd
Port Credit, Ontario