Obituary of Jack Hyde

On Saturday, May 20, 2023, Jack Henry Hyde went to be with his Heavenly Father at the age of 86. 

Jack was born in Lowe Farm, MB, on October 7, 1936, the second-youngest of 10 children. His father Nicolai, a one-room-school teacher and later postmaster, was a quiet, intellectual man who imprinted the importance of being well-lettered and well-informed. His mother Annie (nee Goertzen) taught Jack a love of gardening, caring for others, and the importance of going to church.   

Following high school, Jack joined his older siblings in Winnipeg and worked for Winnipeg Hydro, where he met Hazel Schwab during his final week of work before beginning BA studies at United College (University of Winnipeg).  They were married on September 7, 1963, in Hazel’s home church of Calvary Temple. After graduation, the young couple moved to The Pas, MB, where he accepted a ‘two-year’ position teaching English and History at The Pas Collegiate Institute. They ended up staying for 53 years.

Although Jack constantly joked that he had “eight children”—presumably based on the amount of noise they made—there were actually five of us. Because a single income did not permit lengthy trips during the 8-week holidays, Jack built a cottage on Clearwater Lake. There, the family spent wonderful summers swimming, canoeing, hiking, and picking berries. In contrast to the rustic ‘two-seater’ outhouse in Lowe Farm, a crowning feature at the cottage was Jack’s “Spiffy Biffy”, complete with vents, exterior siding, linoleum flooring, and even a light switch (serving one customer at a time, of course).

During his 35-year career with Kelsey School Division, Jack served as the first guidance counselor, vice-principal, principal, “04”/ Work Experience Coordinator, debating team coach, and “Reach for the Top” coach, as well as Driver Education Coordinator. Most people—all called “Charlie”— knew Jack as their driving instructor, and he spent hours cruising around town dutifully calling out “Left turn”, “Cover the brake,” and “Mirror, signal, shoulder check”. At his retirement tea in 1999, Jack estimated that he had taught defensive driving from 1200 to 1400 high school students alone.

In addition to his family and work, Jack’s faith in Jesus remained a major commitment. As a member of the Gideons, he and Hazel distributed Bibles to hundreds of Grade 5 students, hotels, and hospitals. As well, he served as a church board member, Sunday School teacher, and summer camp counselor. In 1977, after hearing that a northern church camp was being sold, Dad quickly contacted Mennonite Brethren church planter James Nikkel. After a speedy fund-raising campaign, the newly minted Simonhouse Bible Camp was formed and continues to serve northern youngsters today.

Jack will be particularly remembered for his mischievous sense of humour and unwavering support for the ‘underdog’, whether it be teaching an octogenarian to drive for the first time, rooting for the Blue Bombers during their 29-year Grey Cup drought, or convincing a high school student to not drop out by enrolling in carpentry, cooking, or general mechanics at Keewatin Community College (UCN).

After moving to Winnipeg in 2015, Jack’s mental health continued to decline. Hazel devotedly looked after him in their apartment until he entered Meadowood Manor in 2019, where she faithfully visited or called daily. The family is very grateful for the tender care which Jack received from Meadowood staff.

After years of battling dementia, Dad died peacefully with family by his side. Hazel sang him off into eternity with one of his favourite hymns-- "There'll be no sorrow there, no more burdens to bear. No more sickness, no pain, no more parting over there. And forever I will be with the One who died for me. What a day, glorious day that will be." School may be out for Dad, but we will spend our lifetime digesting and emulating the lessons he taught.

Jack is both mourned and celebrated by his sweetheart Hazel, son Keith (Kara), daughter Kari and her children Alex, Brayden, and Jaysen and his son Harland; daughter Sharla and her children Madison and Sophie; daughter Dayna (Chris) and their son Rylan; daughter Tracey (Rob) and their children Jack, Kahlan and Maverick Henry.

Jack was predeceased by his father Nicholai and mother Annie, three sisters, and four brothers.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Meadowood Manor, Winnipeg, MB.

A private gravesite service will be held at Southside Cemetery, Morden, MB.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack’s memory may be made to Meadowood Manor or ShareWord Global (formerly the Gideons), PO Box 3619, Guelph, ON, N1H 7A2.

“Jesus said, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live.’”  John 11:25