Lt Tyrel Halliday
Stag Special
CWO (Ret’d) Jim Seggie first joined the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in 1974, as a reservist with the North Saskatchewan Reserve Regiment.
Shortly after, he transferred to the Regular Force in 1975, where he served in numerous units, including 1PPCLI and 2PPCLI. During his military career he deployed several times overseas, including Cyprus, Croatia, and Bosnia.
He retired from the Regular Force in 1999, but re-enlisted in the Primary Reserves four years later in 2003, and served with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles. When he was finally ready to retire again in 2017, he was the unit Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM).
Standing alongside Jim throughout these 39 years of military service, was his wife Shirley. Together they raised three amazing children, but unfortunately their oldest daughter was taken from them in a tragic vehicle accident when she was just 19.
Then, years later, their hearts were shattered once again when their son Mike was killed in Afghanistan. Born on Nov. 22, 1986, he was just shy of his 22nd birthday when he died while deployed overseas with 2PPCLI.
Cpl Michael Seggie joined the Royal Winnipeg Rifles in the summer of 2004. That same summer, his mother had come across a listing for a 1968 Plymouth Barracuda Model Sports Coupe Fastback car, which he son immediately loved.
Later that summer, he purchased that car with his father. The old Barracuda was initially in rough shape, but Mike decided he would work to restore the car with some of his close friends.
Furthermore, Mike decided to follow in his father’s footsteps by transferring to the Regular Force in 2006. After completing his Basic Infantry Qualifications (BIQ) in Wainwright, Alberta, he was posted to 2PPCLI at CFB Shilo.
He joined Charlie Company (C Coy), where he served as a C9 machine gunner, driver and platoon signaler.
Posted to CFB Shilo, Mike also brought his Barracuda with him, where he continued working away on it in his spare time.
Mike’s unit was then deployed to Afghanistan in early 2008, as part of Task Force 1-08. During this tour, Mike’s natural leadership and maturity earned him a Commander CEFCOM commendation for courageous actions under exceptional circumstances.
Tragically, during this deployment, Cpl Mike Seggie was killed in combat on Sept. 3, 2008. After Mike’s death, his parents decided to take-up the helm on Mike’s restoration project and make their son’s dream a reality.
By completing the project, his parents also wanted to bring awareness and honour to all of the fallen soldiers through the restoration of this car.
Jim and Shirley Seggie’s first step was to get the car home to Winnipeg from CFB Shilo, where it was being looked after by some of his friends.
The car was eventually transported to the Manitoba home of Aime and Verna Verrier, in La Broquerie. They are restoration specialists who signed on to help with the project.
During the course of 14 years, father Jim, joined sometimes by some of Mike’s high school friends, spent almost every weekend helping to restore the Barracuda to its former glory.
Along the way, others in the community offered their support and assistance. The paint job was completed by Ken Lang’s Autobody; the detailing was done by Mike’s high school friend Doug Treen; and the CFB Shilo Car Club provided their assistance throughout the restoration process.
According to dad, “the restoration process was a long road, but it’s what Mike would have wanted.”
Jim wanted the car to mirror Mike’s vision, and even went as far as to add some personal touches to further honour his son.
For instance, a memorial plaque was mounted in the trunk of the car, while Mike’s unofficial call-sign (32-Rico) was etched into the side mirrors. The car’s license plate displays Mike’s initials.
Restoration was finished July 2 of this year, and the Barracuda’s first drive was to the cemetery and Mike’s final resting place. Since then, the car has been to car shows around the Winnipeg area.
Jim and Shirley Seggie intend to take Mike’s car to more car shows in order to raise awareness for fallen Canadian soldiers and CAF support programs.
In addition to being taken to car shows, Mike’s parents enjoy driving the car around the neighbourhood. During these drives, they take the opportunity to connect and feel close to their son.
After 14 years they feel happy the car is restored, but dad has a few other things he still wants to complete on the car: a parent’s love never rests, and there is still more work to be done.
For those who live in Winnipeg, keep an eye out, as there is a chance you will have an opportunity to see this stunning rolling memorial pass you on the street one day.
With his prized 1968 Plymouth Barracuda Model Sports Coupe Fastback car finally restored, Jim and Shirley Seggie drove it to the Winnipeg cemetery where Cpl Michael Seggie was laid to rest following his combat death in Afghanistan on Sept. 3, 2008. The restored car features a memorial plaque his father had made and placed in the trunk. The Barracuda was on display in 2010 at the World of Wheels show. Father and son pose for a photo taken in November 2007. There’s an annual minor hockey tournament held at Gunner Arena named after Cpl Michael Seggie. Photos supplied CWO (Ret’d) Jim Seggie
