Longtime Shakespeare resident Gail Hyde celebrates 85th birthday

Gail Hyde was surrounded by family, longtime Shakespeare neighbours, friends and former teaching colleagues as she celebrated her 85th birthday Tuesday. Beside Gail is longtime teaching friend Nancy Kramer of Mitchell, who joined her in reminiscing about years gone by. Standing behind Hyde are her three children, from left, Ron, Pete and Linda. Contributed photo

By Gary West

A longtime Shakespeare resident, educator and familiar face in the community celebrated a milestone birthday Tuesday surrounded by family and friends.

Gail Hyde celebrated her 85th birthday at her new residence in Stratford, where she was surprised by many longtime friends, former colleagues and neighbours who came together to mark the occasion.

Hyde said she is enjoying life in her new apartment building at the corner of Orr and McCarthy roads on the northwest edge of Stratford.

Gail Hyde and her late husband, Tom Hyde, raised four children in Shakespeare – Murray, Pete, Ron and Linda. Tom Hyde and their eldest son, Murray, have since passed away, while Gail Hyde continues to cherish time spent with Pete, Ron and Linda and their growing families.

A longtime schoolteacher, Gail Hyde spent many years educating generations of local children at Sprucedale Public School in Shakespeare, just a short walk from the family home.

As their children grew up, Gail and Tom Hyde were also active in the Shakespeare community, particularly through the Shakespeare Community Athletic Association (SCAA) and the village’s annual field day.

Like many Shakespeare families, the Hydes spent countless evenings at the local ballpark, another community gathering place within walking distance of their home.

Now at 85, Gail Hyde says she is especially proud of her six grandchildren and great-grandchild, with another great-grandchild expected in November.

Her surprise birthday celebration offered Gail Hyde an opportunity to reconnect with former teaching colleagues, Shakespeare neighbours and friends she hadn’t seen in years while celebrating the many relationships she has built over a lifetime.