Seldon Fahie, 83

Meet Seldon Fahie, 83

Seldon's life has been a tapestry of hard work, adventure and unyielding responsibility. As the eldest of nine children growing up in Ship Harbour, he carried a strong sense of duty from a young age. Growing up, he learned the meaning of sacrifice and perseverance early on—values that carried him through a lifetime of dedication to his work and family.

Seldon's career with the Coast Guard took him to many remote places in the North. He spent time aboard icebreakers in the Arctic, made countless trips to Newfoundland and even journeyed up the St. Lawrence River. His work often kept him away from home for long stretches—whether at sea or traveling across the Maritimes to repair essential equipment. While these jobs provided for his family, they also meant time apart from his wife, Linda, and their children. Despite the challenges of constant movement and responsibility, he and Linda worked tirelessly to build their home together.

Throughout his travels, however, there was one place that remained just out of reach: Sable Island. Though he once worked for a company that sent barges carrying equipment there, he had never set foot on its sandy shores. The island’s beauty and isolation held a certain mystique, made even more intriguing by the stories of his best friend, who had spent a few weeks working there many years ago. His friend’s vivid descriptions left a lasting impression in Seldon’s mind, igniting a quiet but persistent dream of visiting the island himself.

Now, at 83, with his working years behind him, Seldon's dream has shifted from a place of labor to one of exploration and personal fulfillment. After battling illness and depression—especially during the pandemic, when he was hospitalized and separated from his family for a month—the thought of finally visiting Sable Island had given him a renewed sense of purpose. Linda saw this wish as a way to bring joy and a sense of accomplishment back into his life. Since fulfilling this long-held dream, Linda has begun to see glimpses of the man she has always known—resilient, curious, and full of quiet determination.

For Seldon, this wish was more than just reaching a destination; it was about experiencing the beauty and tranquility of a place he has long imagined while honoring the memory of his late friend. It was a chance to reconnect with the adventurous spirit that defined so much of his life, to stand on the shores of the island he once only dreamed of, and to feel the deep fulfillment of finally seeing that dream come true.

Special Thanks: Parks Canada, Vision Air, and Certainly Cinnamon

Photography: A&B Roll Films