Chris Hyndman remembered for his wit and warmth
Beloved CBC host draws tributes from friends, family and fans across the country
Known for his sharp wit, warmth and humour, beloved CBC television personality Chris Hyndman had a profound effect on his fans and those lucky enough to have known him personally.
In the wake of his death, co-workers, friends and fans across the country took to social media to mourn the Steven and Chris co-host. In an interview on CBC Radio's Metro Morning, Hyndman's friend Jeanne Beker credited him with saving her life when she struggled through a period of deep depression.
Wednesday's Pride flag-raising in Windsor, Ont., began with a moment of silence for Hyndman. Along with his on-screen and off-screen partner of 25 years, Steven Sabados, Hyndman was among the first openly gay TV hosts.
Memorial draws mourners
Fans and colleagues descended on the Canadian Broadcasting Centre in Toronto on Wednesday to leave messages, mementos and flowers at a physical memorial set up in the building's atrium, where dozens of screens are projecting Hyndman's face and the words "in memory of."
Stella Waddington, a faithful viewer of Steven and Chris, was on hand to pay her respects. She said she considers herself fortunate to have met the duo.
She was fundraising for a children's charity at a Loblaws supermarket when Hyndman and Sabados strolled by her booth, she said.
"They were very warm, very sympathetic with the charity, and very giving," Waddington said after signing the guestbook. "I was very impressed by both of them. And they were very handsome."
Lorraine Stevenson and a pair of co-workers walked over from their nearby office building to express their condolences at the memorial.
"My partner and I watched [his show] every day and just loved it," she said. "It was nice to see [the memorial] because I think he's touched so many people, both him and his partner.
"We'll definitely miss him, that's for sure."
Share your condolences
CBC invites you to share your memories and condolences with Hyndman's family and other Canadians. Providing your name is optional, but please include your location.
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The messages will be gathered in a story here.
With files from The Canadian Press