Aiken legend passes away
He was a man who commanded respect, and excelled in countless fields, but will be remembered, for his humor, character, friendship, the love of his family and for maintaining the highest standards of excellence.
John (Jack) Martin Seabrook died Wednesday evening in Aiken, and left an indelible imprint on the vast number or people he met and the world at large. His influence extended to many fields, and he was much admired for his business acumen, his passion for conservation, his generosity and willingness to help others, his horsemanship, sense of style and fashion and love of life.
Seabrook's family played an important role in the development of frozen vegetables and prepared meals, and after graduating with honors from Princeton University in 1939, with a degree in chemical engineeering, he went to work for his family's Seabrook Farms, assuming presidency of the company in 1954. Seabrook Farms would revolutionize the food industry through their development of the boil in the pouch method of cooking frozen foods, and would play an integral role in the development of frozen entrees that became popularized as TV dinners.
"He was quite a horseman, and was a founding member of the Carriage Association of America, and a long serving member along with George "Frolic" Weymouth and John Fairclough," said Jack Wetzel. "Many times, he traveled to England and Europe with his coach. He was a member of the British Coaching Club. His horses were always impeccably turned out and dressed. He was a gentlemen who knew how to present a team. He was truly remarkable. He gave a lot to the world of driving, and will be remembered for that. He and his lovely wife Liz were known as true sportsmen in the world of driving."
He was known for his sartorial splendor, and was recognized by Esquire Magazine by being named to their Best Dressed Men in America list during the early 1960's as Seabrook made a powerful fashion statement with his extensive wardrobe as he was often seen in the finest tailored Saville Row suits.
His sense of style and fashion were featured in Diana Vreeland's 1985 exhibit "Man and The Horse" for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute as his wardrobe played a prominent role in the display. The fashion icon asked Seabrook to provide clothing and accessories to the exhibition that were evocative of 19th Century England from the wardrobe he was still wearing.
In between his marriages he had a romance with actress Eva Gabor.
He would champion a number of causes including serving on New Jersey's Migrant Labor Board, where he would work diligently to improve labor and living conditions for the state's seasonal agricultural laborers, he was a fervent advocate for land conservation, not only in Mannington Township and Salem County in New Jersey, but he also devoted his efforts toward helping preserve the Hitchcock Woods in Aiken and land in the Brandywine, Pa. region.
Seabrook's impact is still being felt and his far reaching influence has left a powerful legacy that will affect future generations. He was a leader and a visionary, building I.U. International into a successful and respected worldwide utilities company, while serving as the corporation's chief executive. He served as a director of Bell Atlantic for 34 years. Not comfortable with the idea of retirement, Seabrook made a seamless transition from I.U. International, from which he retired in 1981, by bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to Gotaas Larsen Shipping Corporation. Three Norwegian Shipping Companies would go onto establish Royal Carribean Cruise Lines, Anders Wilhelmsen and Company; I.M. Skauge and Company and Gotaas Larsen Shipping Corporation.
"He was a great, incredible person, who maintained the highest standards," said Weymouth. "He was a great humorist, horseman, conservationist and philanthropist. He loved his wife, and gave a great deal to the world around him. He helped saved the Woods in Aiken. He got things done, He was just a remarkable man, very modest and very shy."
His interest, enthusiasm and passion for driving and antique carriages was palpable, and was he was a powerful presence internationally, and played an important role in helping to preserve and generate interest in carriage and coach driving after World War II, said Weymouth.
"In the driving club, he was everyone's mentor, driving Four-in-Hand," said Weymouth. "He supported the sport and got people interested. He was received all over the world, and did it so beautifully. He was very respected. He symbolized excellence."