Peter
Seaton was born and raised in Vernon. His grandfather homesteaded
in Peachland. His father, a teacher, is remembered in the school that
bears his name, W.L. Seaton Secondary School.
After spending four years
overseas with the RCAF, Peter Seaton attended the University of British
Columbia, earning his law degree in 1950. Seaton practiced law with
Morrow, Davidson & Seaton until 1966, when he was appointed a
justice of the B.C. Supreme Court. In 1973, Seaton was appointed to
B.C.'s highest court, the Court of Appeal.
In 1992, about a year before
his death, Seaton was honoured by the University of Victoria with
an honourary Doctor of Laws degree. Introducing him at the ceremony,
UVic academic vice-president and provost Samuel Scully said Seaton
had remained committed to the principle of judicial independence.
"His is not a household name and largely through his own choosing.
He has contributed quietly, as he thinks appropriate for a judge,
and he eschews publicity," said Scully. In his address to the
graduating class, Seaton urged grads to protect university education,
public health care and social services and keep them within reach
of all British Columbians. "We Canadians take a lot for granted.
I do not propose that we have a flag-raising ceremony every morning,"
he said. "I do propose that we as individuals stop now and then
and recognize what a decent society we live in."
In 1994, Seaton was honoured
posthumously by his peers for his exceptional career in the field
of law. The Law Society of B.C. presented the Law Society Award to
Seaton's widow at a ceremony in Vancouver. The award's criteria includes
integrity, professional achievements, professional service and reform.
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