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Jesse Hyder Obituary


HYDER, Jesse Rod Hyder Born September 21, 1944, died peacefully on August 1, 2008. He was a mover and a shaker. He knew how to get things done. He didn't need recognition. He would see a need and would get it met. His life touched a countless number of people. Children loved him. So did adults. You may have seen him behind a camera. You may have seen him dancing to marimba music, walking downtown, or doing errands. You probably saw him in James Bay. He always waved. He had a great sense of humour, a sharp mind and a compassionate heart. He was an artist. He was a Zen master. He was a lover of music. He was a teacher and a mentor. He will be profoundly missed by many and is survived by his partner, family, four children and two grandchildren. A celebration of Jesse's life will be held on Wednesday, August 13 from 2-4 PM at Irving Park (corner of Menzies and Michigan St.) in James Bay. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jesse's honour to the Mustard Seeds Fairstart program, 625 Queens Ave., Victoria, BC V8T 1L9, (250) 953-1575. 490467
Published by The Times Colonist from Aug. 8 to Aug. 9, 2008.

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48 Entries

Bob Lesher

October 17, 2017

I met Jesse while attending California State University, Fullerton, around 1967.Jesse was a natural mentor and leader for all of us in those days. In early 1969, I followed him to Victoria, escaping the Vietnam war, where he, and his wife, Judy, let me stay at their flat on Douglas Street, close to the Times-colonist building. He guided me, with his unending patience, through the rigors of becoming a Landed Immigrant. We maintained sporadic communication over the years, even after I'd moved back to California. A mutual friend informed me of his passing. I was immediately saddened. He was just one of those people that one thought would always be there. I still can hear his voice, see his smile as we had evening tea at that apartment on Douglas so long ago. To this day I still reference him upon making certain decisions. He had that kind of grace and presence.

Brenda Devine

August 29, 2008

Jesse Hyder has touched many lives! He will be greatly missed by all! He was a great mentor to those of us working in the field of community education. I knew him through my involvement with ACEbc. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to have a real, heart to heart chat about family and work at the last ACEbc conference in Vancouver. I am deeply saddened by his passing! My thoughts and prayers are with his family!

Susan Lamb

August 28, 2008

Jessie was an amazing inspriation to me, I knew him through working with ACEbc. I can't imagine what a loss this is for you, his family. My thoughts are with you.

Leah Moreau

August 26, 2008

What a wonderful gift Jesse was to the education world and will continue to be, as those he mentored and touched will ensure his spirit and determination lives on.

He will be greatly missed.

Hattie Hogeterp

August 22, 2008

Jesse will be missed in many places, and in many ways. I only knew Jesse through ACEbc, where he was always the voice of reason, experience, and diplomacy, but I know his influence went far beyond that. He was a gentleman through and through. I lost my sister to a sudden heart attack in February, and my heart goes out to the family. May it help to know that many people's thoughts and best wishes are with you.

Leslie Lord

August 19, 2008

I was away on holidays and did not hear until later that Jesse had passed. I have shed tears, and spent time thinking about the 16 years that I have known him. So many wonderful memories of working at James Bay Community School! A man with a gentle, wise spirit and an ability to get things done quietly with no expectation for reward or recognition. He influenced me immensely and in many different ways. I was sorry to have missed the service and have heard that it was an amazing tribute.
We shared a mutual love of Bruce Springsteen's music, and we went to concerts of every tour that came to the Pacific Northwest. Jesse and Barb, Brian and I were "tramps" our last one was just a few months ago in Seattle. we had a blast! I think Terry's Song is fitting..."when they built you brother, they broke the mould"
The last time I saw Jesse we were at Wendy Hunter's funeral and it was a very sad day. Two administrators have left James Bay now, what a loss...we always said it is like Hotel California, "you can check out but you never leave."
Condolences to the family and to Barb, love and hugs.
Namaste,
Leslie

Lisa Werring

August 19, 2008

Jesse was a tireless advocate of children's health and education issues. He was an invaluable asset to the BC Advisory Council of Breakfast for Learning BC and had only recently offered to expand his role to the National Advisory Council. Breakfast for Learning would like to extend our heartfelt condolences for this tragic loss. Jesse will be deeply missed.

Darlene James

August 17, 2008

Jesse was a man of integrity and social responsibility who cared deeply about the community and the people around him. He was a true leader who led quietly, and by example. Through his involvement in many organizations and programs, Jesse earned respect and friends far beyond the James Bay community.

The community education family will miss Jesse. ACEbc will miss Jesse. I will miss Jesse.

To Jesse's family -- I am so sorry I was out of town when the celebration of Jesse's life took place...I would have wanted to be there. Wishing you peace.

Inge Andreen

August 17, 2008

Jesse was a huge and positive force in the Community Education movement that I was so proud of. We were so lucky to have him as such a powerful influence in his positive way. He will be missed in so many ways, and in so many places. He will certainly never be forgotten. Personally, he enriched the philosophy that I believe in so strongly.

Frances Witt

August 16, 2008

Good-by Jesse. Every day you were here, you made the world a better place. Everyone you interacted with, a better person. And all this, you accomplished with a egoless calm.

My heart goes out to all those who are grieving losing you.

My love to the family. Thank you for having the perfect remembrance service.

Bonnie Smith

August 15, 2008

Thank you Jesse, for the wonderful lessons you taught me - so diplomatic and genuine. You made James Bay Community School a great supportive place for all of us and so many more. My blessings to your family. We are so fortunate to have had your wisdom and grace.

Jason Armond

August 14, 2008

Thank you, Jesse, for showing us the amazing depth of what a peaceful life can accomplish, and thank you for inspiring us to strive to become more than what we are. You will be missed, but more importantly, you will be remembered by many, and your legacy of dedication will live on.

Richard Girling

August 13, 2008

In 1981 Jesse was given a challenge and that was to educate an abused, jaded and distrusting boy of 17 years. He was so patient and kind to me (as he always was with EVERYONE he came in contact with) and I learned. I just hope that I managed to earn back a fraction of the respect I had for him. For anyone who is interested his memorial service was attended by more than 200 people today, August 13, 2008.

Bev George

August 13, 2008

Jesse was a mentor, friend and the person I turned to to find my way on the winding and everchanging road of community schools. I will miss his wisdom and guidance, his warm smile and patience.

Kelli-Rae Clark

August 13, 2008

what an incredible loss for our community and children. I will always remember Jesse as one of the only true altruistic human beings that I have ever had the pleasure of being touched by. Not only was he my daughters first principal but also a huge supporter of the other joy of my life, Marimba. My heart goes out deeply for the Hyder/Roberts family.....Jesse will always have a special place in my heart....God bless you Jesse....

Linda Myres

August 13, 2008

I will remember Jesse as a gardener. He planted seeds of hope and joy and tended his expansive garden with love and humility. The fruits of Jesse's gardens will live on through each of us who knew him.
My condolences to the family.

Wendy Lambert

August 13, 2008

I knew Jesse through the community school/education link. Although I did not have a personal connection, I knew this was a man I could (and did) rely on for answers about community schools. He was a person for whom I have enormous respect. What a loss. My sympathy to the family and friends.

Kai Daanon

August 13, 2008

See you on the other side Jesse...I"ll look for the flash of a camera and the melodies of your laugh. We will miss you beyond words and will live each day remembering to live it justly.

Anna Lisa Bond

August 13, 2008

Loss seems to be a theme lately in the community and in our lives and world. The sadness and shock of Jesse's passing weighs heavy on me. However, his gifts, love of life and integrity help with this loss. Jesse was a beautiful human being, open, loving, fun, playful and present! You will always remain present in my thoughts and heart. I will miss you Jesse! My love to all of your family.

Jessica Land

August 12, 2008

Jesse Hyder... an advocate for community education and an inspiration to many. I always valued the thoughts and insights he brought to ACEbc. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.

lisa cowan

August 12, 2008

i am one of the many people Jesse mentored. he taught me what a community was, he taught me how to serve that community as a board member for the school, he taught me how to be an activist on behalf of his beloved community school and not to take it all so seriously and he became a friend. He has been a blessing in my life.

Stephen Boyd

August 12, 2008

Words cannot express the sadness felt for all of you with the loss of Jesse. How can one say what one wants about a man who did so much for his community? His presence will be felt forever.

Jesse was such a great guy, and always looked you in the eye and made you feel that you were important and respected. He was quick to laugh and had such a zest for life. Jesse lived his life doing what he truly loved and his spirit will remain for all those that loved him, which are many.

What an unexpected and tremendous loss on so many levels. My sincerest and deepest sympathies to the Hyder/Roberts family. May you find peace and comfort in your time of unexpected grief.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Allison Green

August 12, 2008

Jesse was gracious, warm, cheerful, friendly, he seemed to love life and live it to the fullest. I ran into him at marimba music and marimba dances often and also casually in the street. I will always remember his beautiful smile, his sparking eyes, and his whistling which was part of his positive spirit. My sincerest condolences to Jesse's family.

Twyla Hunt

August 12, 2008

Jesse was an inspiration and mentor to many of us in the Community School family. His wisdom and positive role modeling will be missed.

Michelle Morin

August 12, 2008

My heart goes out to Jesse's family and friends - although it has been many years since I last saw that gracious smile of his, he was one of the first people to make me feel truly welcome and at home in Victoria. His spirit - so generous and open - will be greatly missed.

Kim Denness-Thomas

August 12, 2008

I know I am but one in a sea of voices whose lives were changed for the better because of the mentor they had in Jesse Hyder.

Thank you Jesse for always having an open ear, infinate patience...and the ability to make us look at the world in new and possible ways.

I am a better person, teacher, friend , because of what I learned with you.

My thoughts go to all of Jesse's family at this time. Thank you for sharing him with all of us.

Susan Wilson

August 11, 2008

Unforgettable, irreplaceable - a man of profound spiritual integrity - thank you, Jesse, for your indelible imprint in our lives! I'll never forget those "early days" at the Project!

Cindi Arden

August 11, 2008

“The soul of man is immortal and imperishable.” The physical presence of Jesse will be missed, his laugh, his smile, and his eye behind the camera, but the important things he gave us will go on, in his family and his many friends in the community and young men and women whose lives he touched. Thanks Jesse.

Allison Patterson

August 11, 2008

My thoughts go out to Jesse's family and friends. He was a kind soul and so connected with his family and community. Lots of love to you all.

Allison, Chris, Simon and Madeline Patterson

Mike Waters

August 11, 2008

A talented man, gifted leader and wonderful human being. Sadly, one of Victoria's brightest lights has gone out. You will be greatly missed but your efforts and contributions live on in all of us. Thank you for building great people, safe places and dynamic communities.

Jace Steiner

August 11, 2008

I was shocked to hear about Mr. Hyders passing. He was one of the nicest and most friendly people i have ever met. He was the school coodinator at J.B.C.S for the 6 years i was there and he always had a smile on his face. I saw him on the bus a few days before he passed away and he still had that awesome smile on his face that i will never forget. I will miss you Mr. Hyder and i will never forget you.

Sarah Lynn Smith

August 10, 2008

So much to say ,words unspoken…you left us with so much emotion .,
You touched our lives each in a different way, our heart holds your memory it’s there to stay .
A special thought … word …or deed ,you were there if you saw a need !
Looking around at all the people you knew ,Drawing us close… is the memory of you!
I’ll Miss you Uncle Jesse

Christine Stoneman

August 10, 2008

Having just seen him a few days before, the shock and sadness is huge. Jesse was a patient mentor to a mother that took on the role as Chair of the James Bay Community Society and then put up with me for over 8 years. Both my kids loved him and have fond memories of his clicking camera at all events held at the school over the years. Not many people like Jesse exist and I feel deeply honored to have known him and learned patience, perserverance and compassion from him. My heart goes out to the family and all that loved him.

Joanne Tetterington

August 10, 2008

My heart-felt sympathies to Jesse's family. As a teenager of the 80's in James Bay, Jesse was the one who, I think, guided most of us in the right direction. He will be deeply missed, but definitely never forgotten.

Melinda and Helena Budgell

August 10, 2008

I am shocked and sadden by this news. Jesse was a giant in stature and spirit. His impact is lasting and his death is a great lost to the community and James Bay School. Jesse took some great photos of my daughter when we volunteered at the seniors Christmas dinners and community picnics. It is an honor to have worked with this man at the school and on the board of the JBCSS. I suspect if given the choice he would have choosen to leave this earth with no attention on him, quickly and without burden to those he loved. He left us too soon yet any time would have been too soon for a man such as Jesse. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and others who loved him.

Debbie

August 9, 2008

Jesse you have been thought of so many times over the years. You were a kind, sweet, generous and caring teacher. The world needs more teachers like you. You will be sadly missed. Debbie Miller and her family - Niagara St.

Nora Hanna

August 9, 2008

I was saddened and dismayed to hear the news of Jesse's passing.
To me,in many ways, he was "Mr. James Bay", but of course we all knew him as Jesse.
I was so happy to see him from time and he always asked about my family. Our community has lost one of the best, and he will be remembered and missed for years to come. Thoughts
of condolence to his family and many friends.

Janis (Bird) Rustad

August 9, 2008

I was saddened to hear of Jesse's passing... can still see him - hear his laugh - even though it has been many years since our last meeting. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. There will be many happy memories shared at the park.

angela mclean { christianson }

August 9, 2008

how sad!!! jesse you have been thought of so many times over the years ....... you inspired so many of us that you taught that anything was possible! you were the best teacher, mentor and neighbor.
to jesse's family , my thoughts are with you.

Maria Robins ( Venturin)

August 8, 2008

It is too weird that I was thinking about my old days at ESP just the other night " Jesse & Terry" what cool tearchers they were......
I am truly sad for the loss of such a wonderful person.
Thank you Jesse for your caring, compasion, patience and understanding...during my teen years. I turned out just great...I think you would be proud...because you had a huge influence in my life :o)
Peace to you Jesse....Maria

Fiona Vandale

August 8, 2008

Jesse, we will miss your smiling face, your friendly waves, and your open, generous heart.

Liz

August 8, 2008

I was so sad and shocked to learn of Jesse's sudden passing! My heart goes out to all of his children and grandchildren, and his many friends and family. He will be forever missed, but always remembered for his kind and friendly ways.

Angie Chase

August 8, 2008

"If you look around and think the world is missing something, it is probably the gift you were supposed to be bringing." - Julie Cuccia Watts
Thank you for the gifts you shared and left us.

August 8, 2008

"Wod" was an amazing teacher to me and the others at Craigdarroch school in the 60's. So fondly remembered.

lisa gordanier{arden}

August 8, 2008

Thank you Jesse for getting us through school the "cool " way at ESP.You will be missed, but always remembered with great affection.

Sara Andre

August 8, 2008

We were heartbroken to hear about Jesse - We know him from his smiling face at James Bay School as well as wandering and waving through out James Bay and downtown.

He will be missed - thinking about his family my heart goes out to you.

My daughters dad just saw him last week downtown twice and he was in great spirits.

Prayers and thoughts are with you at this hard time. Just wanted you to know he made a HUGE difference in our lives while our daughter attended James Bay.

Hugs and Prayers.

Sara & Montana & Tim

Anne Moon

August 8, 2008

Jesse was such an icon in James Bay, helpful, kind, involved, caring. He supported my volunteer activities at the school. He will be greatly missed. He really walked tall amongst us.

Showing 1 - 48 of 48 results

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for Jesse Hyder

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