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EDWARD ARNOLD (TED) POYSER
Born: Jun 06, 1927
Date of Passing: Nov 21, 2020
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EDWARD ARNOLD (TED) POYSER
June 6, 1927 - November 21, 2020
Husband for 60 years of the late Alice (Shewman) Poyser, father of Liz Knight (Phil) and John Poyser (Mari Ann), and dearly loved "Papa" of Alison Knight-Hanoomansingh (Dan), Grayson Poyser and Emma Poyser, Ted passed from this life on Saturday, November 21, 2020.
Ted's arrival at Emeline Farm near MacGregor in June 1927 -'the year the barn was built', he often said - completed the third generation of a sod-buster family from the English midlands, who had settled on land straddling the indigenous peoples pathway known as Fort Ellice Trail. Early, Ted developed a keen appreciation of both the farm, and the nations who had lived for millennia in harmony with the seasons and ways of the land.
Ted recalled "the terror of a farm childhood: running hard to escape the ram or bull, or the bees enraged by brother Lindsay banging on their hive", yet still he saw it as "a place of special significance in my concept of self-identity, security, hospitality, and community".
"I started out as a guy that loved frogs and tiddly toads. I'm a farm boy; you get out there and ride that bloody tractor up and down, and some places produce pretty good crops and some places don't produce very good crops - 'what's going wrong?'; 'What's in the soil and what's the difference?'. So it was natural for me to gravitate to that."
Ted's heart never left the prairie soil as life took him to an ever wider landscape as a scientist, conservationist and practical ecologist. Graduating from University of Manitoba with a MSc degree in Agricultural Science in 1950, he began a career in public service, which continued through and beyond his formal retirement 30 years later.
In the early 1950s, Ted helped to map and publish some of the first Manitoba Soil Survey reports, which are still used today. Later, with the Department of Agriculture, he helped establish the White Mud Watershed Conservation District, develop the Watershed Conservation Districts Act, and create productivity ratings for land, which became the basis for the Manitoba Crop Insurance Program.
In the late 1960s and 70s, advocating that rural land had potential beyond agriculture, Ted managed a program for Interlake Development, helped organize the major drainage systems across southern Manitoba, and worked to establish the Oak Hammock Marsh, Spruce Woods, Assessippi, Bird's Hill and other provincial parks and wildlife management areas.
After retiring in 1981, he continued to promote the sustainability of the land, and rural communities through several co-operative projects.
He developed a program to integrate soil, water and wildlife conservation, encouraging farmers and wildlife managers to work together - he branded it "Prairie Care". Ducks Unlimited launched Ted's program in Ontario, and across Western Canada. "CARE" programs later followed in other countries, as far afield as Louisiana, California and Australia.
For a dozen years, Ted was Chair of the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation. Under his guidance farmers, farm groups, Conservation Districts, Ducks Unlimited, the Delta Waterfowl Foundation, the Nature Conservancy and PFRA collaborated to conserve fish and wildlife habitat.
Ted helped develop the Riparian Health Council, a consortium of groups caring for wetlands, which successfully sought partnerships and financing for expanding and promoting "farmer-friendly" approaches to enhancing habitats for both agricultural and environmental benefit.
Ted was a mentor to many people: several generations of his colleagues still emulate his style of management and his philosophy that farmers know best how to manage the soil and water, and the "right things will happen" if appropriate programs and incentives are put in place. Everyone who interacted with Ted knows that, "It all starts with the soil."
Never losing his passion for soil and water conservation, Ted continued into his final years to write, explain and advocate for sustainable prairie care.
Ted's public service, and his impact on agricultural policies, institutions, and practices were acknowledged with many honours: he received the Canada Confederation Medal 1967, and The Queens' Diamond Jubilee Medal 2012 and was inducted into the Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2005. In addition, he was given the Conservation Builder Award from the Manitoba Conservation Districts Association; was elected Distinguished Agrologist by the Manitoba Institute of Agrologists; and elected a Fellow of the Agricultural Institute of Canada.
In what was perhaps his proudest moment, the Province of Manitoba named the unit of Protected Habitat in the White Mud Watershed Wildlife Management Area nearest to his family farm: The Edward A Poyser Protected Habitat Area.
Ted's love of the land permeated all aspects of life: he was an avid fisherman, hunter, and recreational sportsman: boating or golfing in summer, curling in winter. He loved to conduct anyone with a few hours to spare on car tours of the farm and surrounding landscape, studying the crops, and commenting on the changes in the landscape, climate and practice. And he was a gardener, with a verdant 'mini back 40' at his suburban home.
He was also an enthusiastic 'gardener of people', tirelessly interested in others and supportive of everyone he knew, with never a cross word, or harsh judgement. He was a living master class in the soft power of being kind and caring to others. His nurturing spirit and zest for life made him a deeply special man, a wonderful friend, honoured colleague, beloved husband, father, and grandfather.
In his self-effacing way, he encouraged, cajoled and coached people. Skilled in subtle diplomacy, and with constant good humour, he would gently plant ideas that people would grow to accept and own.
In retirement, Ted was one of the elders of his community - the sort you often encounter in towns and suburbs - men meeting for fellowship in diners or cafes, supporting each other's wellness, considering the public welfare: an informal Senate in the Republic of the Ordinary. Meeting each Wednesday at Smitty's on Pembina, Ted and his companions would gather, introducing to each other fresh ideas, thinkers, discussions, books and public leaders to feed their minds, and sustain their dignity.
Travelling the province in the early years of his career, Ted met Alice Shewman, a student of the humanities and of life, who was earning her way in summer at Clear Lake. Ted wooed her by buying her chocolate bars, and lotion for her sunburn. They married in 1956, and had two children: Liz in 1957, and John in 1961. Ted played an active, often primary, role as a parent nurturing the kids; and later, as a grandfather, nurturing theirs. His granddaughter recalled, "Whenever I saw him, he would wrap me in an impossibly big hug and say in my ear - 'I love you! I think you are wonderful!'"
At a time when it was unusual for married women to work outside their home, Ted supported Alice in every possible way as she developed her own career in journalism, public broadcasting and adult education, parallel to and in harmony with his own. He was delighted to be the moon to Alice's sun at her sparkling dinner parties, or Red River picnics aboard Srinagar. He was devastated when we lost her in 2016.
Ted was predeceased by his brother Lindsay in 1989, and his sister Elsie in 2017.
It would give Ted immense joy if you plant a tree in his memory, or make a donation to The Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation [https://mhhc.mb.ca]. He asked that his ashes be placed on the prairie he loved, 'close to the surface - I want to be up with the crocuses in the spring'.
Farewell Ted - We will see you in the wild places and the wetlands; we will know your works when we visit White Mud, Asessippi, Fort Whyte, Spruce Woods, Spirit Sands or Birds Hill; we will sense your spirit near the marshy hedgerows and when the geese fill the sky over Oak Hammock; we will recall your joy whenever men take to the land for seeding and harvest; and, when the crocuses push up through the last of winter, we will remember this son of Manitoba - for as long as the snow falls, and the sun returns, and the rivers run to the sea.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 28, 2020
Condolences & Memories (17 entries)
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Dear John and Liz What a great tribute to your Dad! I don’t think I have ever read such an eloquent tribute to ones life. I remember Ted (and Alice) well. Our family was large with all the Poyser brothers and sisters- then the next generation “The Cousins” and then the children of The Cousins. Ted and my Mom- Enid Durward were of The Cousins. There were many golf tournaments and get togethers. A celebration at the 100 year Farm- still in the family, occupied by the Sims family. And I know that Ted and Elliott were close. With Ted’s passing, Enid is the only remaining Cousin. She has expressed to me how sad she is - especially at this time. And she is well aware she is the last - celebrating 92 years in a few weeks. My condolences to your family, and extended family. He was a great man and achieved many things in his life. He will be missed. - Posted by: Mavis Taillieu (Cousin ) on: Dec 03, 2020
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With deepest sympathy, United Empire Loyalist Association of Canada (Manitoba Branch) - Posted by: United Empire Loyalist Association of Canada (Manitoba Branch) (Friends) on: Nov 30, 2020
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What a great life. If the rest of us could accomplish a tenth of what Ted did in his time here, the world would be doing pretty well. Thanks to the author for sharing. The conservation world of MB and beyond wouldn't be the same without all the guidance and knowledge that Ted provided when he "conducted" the car tours that wound through the back roads of all his favorite places. - Posted by: Scott (Conservation partner) on: Nov 30, 2020
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I met Ted and his wife Alice when I was a young child. Both were friends of my Mum's in Winnipeg. Alice did come to visit us in Duluth, MN, and her summer visits were delightful. Ted was always kind and fun. I'm truly sorry to learn of his passing and wish his family, especially Liz, condolences and love at this difficult time. Ted was a great man! - Posted by: Cathlin Hess (friend of family) on: Nov 29, 2020
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What a beautiful, poetic tribute to an extraordinary human being. We were lucky to have known Ted and Alice for many years, both in the workplace and at those sparkling dinner parties! Audrey and David Young - Posted by: audrey and david young (friends) on: Nov 29, 2020
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My condolences to the family on the loss of your father and grandfather. In the late 80's when I was appointed regional director of PFRA in Manitoba, Ted was the first "mover and shaker" in the Province that I had the pleasure to meet. It seems like a month never went by without Ted dropping in my office to chat about current issues in resource management over coffee. I enjoyed his presence very much. He was a man of integrity, soft spoken and very knowledgeable about the challenges that faced rural people in the province, from floods, drought, environmental degradation, water quality and land and soil management. Ted was an enabler and a consensus builder and one whose advice could be trusted, because he truly cared for the well being of the people of this province and passionate of the opportunities that could be realized through the adoption of sustainable resource management. Rest in Peace Ted, will not be forgotten. Erminio - Posted by: Erminio Caligiuri (Colleague) on: Nov 29, 2020
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We send our condolences and big hugs to your family Liz and John. Ted was such a kind and gentle soul with everyone he met. We always loved visiting your family and remember our Dad going hunting and fishing with your Dad and their many friends. Your Dad made a lasting effect in Manitoba with all his projects and earning many awards as so well deserved. Alice was full of sunshine & much laughter and had a fantastic career. We remember them all going to Mazatlan in the winters and enjoying the sunshine and ocean. He will be greatly missed. Take good care of yourselves. May God Bless. Big hugs from our McKay family. Kim, Ron, Tracy & Mitch. - Posted by: Kim McKay Woroby (friend) on: Nov 29, 2020
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I am sending my sincere condolences to Ted’s family. Your dad and my mom, Audrey Hay, were first cousins. Ted’s love of family and his rural roots is a quality that runs deeply in all of the Poysers and is something to nourish and take pride in. Your dad exemplified this is his life’s work. He will be missed. - Posted by: Betty Jean Berry( nee Hay) (Cousin) on: Nov 29, 2020
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Sincere sympathies to all who loved Ted. I knew him my whole life as my dad was a close friend with him. Ted and Alice were some of my absolute favourite people, always happy and loving. Both have so many memories in my life Sadly both will be missed like crazy. Sending love and hugs Tracy Mckay - Posted by: Tracy Mckay (Friend of family) on: Nov 29, 2020
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So Sorry to read this Kept up to date with all his life by the late Elsie who we stayed with when we visited Canada and always kept in touch with. The end of another Poyser link. - Posted by: Christine Guntripp (Phoebe Fern (Poyser) Grandaughter) on: Nov 29, 2020
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Fondly remembering Ted’s fun, inspiring, and positive conversations that we shared over the years. It’s hard to say how much Ted’s soil maps impacted our life. I carried them with me when I did relief milking in my pickup truck and everywhere I went I looked at the soil maps and the weather and the heat units and the frost free days and we couldn’t afford some of the lands to build our own farm, but because of Ted’s maps, we at least knew what we were getting, and every time we increased the farms, we used those maps. And they still sit in the office, and we still use them! And going by this obituary, this was just a small sampling of Ted’s contributions to so many of our lives! Condolences, Sam Appleby and Family. - Posted by: Sam Appleby (An English descendent of the Poyser family that came to Canada in 1977) on: Nov 28, 2020
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Oh Liz. What a fabulous man your father was and what a tribute this obituary is. I know how much you supported him in the last few years and now I know why. My heart goes out to all who loved him. Jane - Posted by: Jane Harris (friend) on: Nov 28, 2020
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I remember Ted when I was growing up in MacGregor. He was a beloved cousin of my mom, Hazel, and my Aunt Audrey. Condolences to all his family. I loved the story about granddaughter hugs. - Posted by: Barbara Barnswell (Daughter of Hazel Boaz new Poyser.) on: Nov 28, 2020
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Traveled many miles with Ted and Merv hunting and fishing. Please accept our condolences from our family. Cubby, Rosie and family - Posted by: Cubby barrett (Friend) on: Nov 28, 2020
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This Passage does a very good job of trying to capture such a large life lived well. I particularly loved the parts about his soft power and his turn of phrase such as ”the year the barn was built” or the “bloody tractor”. Every 3rd sentence of Ted’s was punctuated with the word bloody, which is said with his twinkling way that brought you in on the joke and I can hear him saying those in my mind as I read.. Though almost 1/2 their age, I was singularly fortunate to have been a frequent guest at those dinner parties where Ted would leave Alice to hold court for hours while he cleaned up and then repaired to his basement lair or drift about Shrinagar for a midsummer night’s picnic. The authors of this piece have done a fine job of letting the reader enter into the magical world of Ted and Alice who tended their garden of friends and experiences as well as they tended their lifelong love affair. I miss them both greatly but am better to have been allowed into their lives. - Posted by: Gord Gooding (Fellow prairie traveller) on: Nov 28, 2020
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What more can be said? He was a highly accomplished coordinator and advocate for caring for our lands. RIP - Posted by: Wayne Cowan (Helped plan the Prairie Care program while with Ducks Unlimited) on: Nov 28, 2020
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John - sincere condolences on your father's passing. Kudos to he/she/they who crafted a really fine obituary. I remember "Mr. Poyser" well - a stand out among friend's parents, who was welcoming and seemed genuinely interested in what you were up to. - Posted by: Michael Thomson (his son John's childhood friend) on: Nov 28, 2020