GARNET BRIAN HYNDMAN

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GARNET BRIAN HYNDMAN

Garnet "Garnie" Hyndman, 78, of The Farm, McConnell and Cardale Manitoba, passed away September 20, 2023. He was born in Hamiota, Manitoba, on October 24, 1944 to Eloise and Elgin Hyndman. He grew up in McConnell with his older brother, Ron and beloved sister and confidante, Bonnie. His was an idyllic childhood spent shooting hockey pucks left by horses around the outdoor rink, playing ball, honing hunting and fishing skills, rambling the countryside, and making good natured mischief with like-minded friends. Garnie's best memories of his early education came from his time at McConnell, a building where his family would make special memories of their own. He completed his high school in Hamiota. The most important event of his early years was laying eyes on the 'pretty red-headed girl from Pope.'



Garnet's dream was to become a farmer like countless generations of Hyndmans. Before this dream was realized, he attended teacher college in Brandon and later completed a Bachelor of Arts degree with the help of the pretty red-headed girl, Leeann Godlien, who became his wife in 1965. After his time as teacher and principal at Cardale, the young couple moved to Berens River with two small children, Seanna and Kevin. They were up for an adventure and wanted to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while beginning a long and impactful career as a teacher. Fishing, brewing, hosting get-togethers cemented friendships that lasted his lifetime.



Returning south, Garnet and Leeann welcomed Kim to the family. He continued his career as an educator in Shoal Lake, Oak River, and Rivers. While working in Oak River he treasured the time he had to have lunch and a cup of tea with his dear mother. When he retired, it was no surprise to his family when there was an outpouring of recognition from his students. He was known as a brilliant educator who made learning fun, taking kids on swamp walks, sharing interesting stories, dumping desks, assigning kids to the badger hole, making nicknames, encouraging time outdoors and making sure the kids knew they were important. The plays he created for the Christmas concerts are legendary. These plays, based on those of Shakespeare, offer a glimpse into the diverse aspects of Garnet's life. The plays were a combination of literature, local and Canadian politics, community members' lives and events, and both down to earth and intellectual humour.



While Garnet was proud of his time as a teacher, he finally achieved his dream of becoming a farmer. Both Garnet and Leeann's work ethic enabled them to operate a mixed grain farm while he continued to teach. He had a great sense of accomplishment when a meal was prepared from what was produced at Maple Grove.



When Leeann required care due to her failing health, the couple moved the house that had once stood in McConnell into Hamiota. Daily trips to the farm or Cardale for the mail and important community meetings at Dora's filled Garnet's time after he retired. In 2012, he lost Leeann, a constant in his life from his early teenage years. Garnet credited her with all that was good in his life.



In later years, Garnet continued to take an active part in community life, helping to organize a significant reunion recognizing the role of the Cardale school, staff and students. He called it Cardale's and his last hurrah. His special friend Joanne McTavish was by his side in these years providing him with great happiness, not to mention armloads of books. They enjoyed many hours fishing and watching The Oak River Dodgers and the less successful Toronto Blue Jays.



Garnet would say his greatest accomplishment was his kids and grandkids. Seanna, Kevin and Kim grew up with the work ethic, respect for the land, importance of volunteerism, and community firmly ingrained in their lives. They would pass these lessons on to Shae, Cead, Orianna, Teagen, Jordan, Joby and Kennedy.



Garnet was a man who could quote Shakespeare, passages from Lorna Doone, and obscure poetry about blue gentians. He could take time to drive slowly through the backroads, enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of the earth after a rain or a newly harvested field of wheat. He could use colourful language trying to herd pigs back into the pen, enjoy the company of friends in the snake pit, ice fishing shack, half-ton truck, or late into the night around a kitchen table. He will be missed by all who knew him.



There will be a family celebration of life in the spring at Scotia Cemetery. Donations to MS Society of Canada, Suite 100, 1465 Buffalo Place, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 1L8 (www.mscanada.ca), or to the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program, 7 Kingswood Cres, La Salle, MB, R0G 0A2 (www.manitobafarmerwellness.ca) would be gratefully received.

To thine own self be true

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 04, 2023