The North Shore District is deeply saddened at the passing of Jeffrey Hynes, our recent District Chairperson and former Scouts BSA Roundtable Commissioner. Jeffrey lived the Scout Oath and Scout Law every day and shared his love of the outdoors and of Scouting with the leaders, Scouts, and families of Troop 158, where he served as Scoutmaster, as well as with the North Shore District and the Capitol Area Council. Jeffrey is remembered by the Scouts and Scouters of the North Shore District through his many contributions to our program, our traditions, and our character.
Jeffrey’s passing has left a void where our friend once was. We invite each of you to help us fill that void with your own remembrances of Jeffrey Hynes in the comments below.
- A Scout is Trustworthy.
Jeffery always stepped up when there was something that needed to be done. From mentoring youth to working with parents and Scouters to make the program happen. He was truly engaged and excited about the Scouting program. He could be depended on to do his best to make sure everyone was taken care of.
– Craig Nesbitt - A Scout is Loyal.
I have never met someone so loyal as Jeffrey. He gave his heart and soul to Troop 158. You could count on him to help with everything. The scouts would say “We want to go rock climbing” he would say “Plan it and we will go!” and then when he saw the scouts had so much fun he’d sign himself to get trained so the troop could go regularly if they wished. He was not only our troops Scoutmaster but also stepped into District positions, co-led Roundtables and was very involved in his kids extracurricular activities- not as a spectator; but would do the things with his kids. He was also incredibly loyal to his wife and kids, he loved scouts so much, but his family was his world. He was also loyal to his heritage, Jeffrey and his family are a part of the Mi’kmaq First Nations People in Nova Scotia, NF. At various ceremonies Jeffrey and his son would honor their heritage by wearing the tartan sash of his people.
– Amy Mitschke - A scout is helpful.
Jeffrey was always inclusive and shared his passion for Scouting by teaching us new things. A Canadian taught us about the American flags, and some history in the process.
– Nicolas Rietsch - A Scout is Friendly.
Jeffrey’s ever-present smile was the beginning of many friendships, including his friendship with me.
– Tim Pacl - A Scout is Courteous.
Jeffrey was great at listening to everyone in the troop. He showed the scouts how to be respectful by himself being respectful of each other during meetings, and ways for them to be considerate of all.
– Amy Mitschke - A Scout is Kind.
Anytime I talked with Jeffery, he listened attentively and tried to help answer my questions. He was not belittling me for my questions, but trying to understand them to give me the best advice he could in the nicest way.
– Russell Hunter
Mr Hynes helped and guided all of our scouts regardless of whether they were new or not and was always there to help and support everyone in the troop. When I became SPL he guided me into the leadership position while always smiling and being kind. He taught everyone so much and our troop will be forever changed by his kindness.
– Kevin Mitschke - A Scout is Obedient.
Often when we see obedience we think of following the rules, but sometimes it’s thinking differently than before and just waiting to see what happens. One of my favorite things about Mr. Hynes was how he let me come up with a new idea and as long as we had a good plan for it, we got to do it.
When I was a Patrol Leader we wanted to do something different that we’d never done before. We came up with the idea of hydrodipping and thought it would be fun to hydro dip an axe. When we asked Mr Hynes he said “Great idea, how are you going to execute it?” We laid out a plan on who was going to buy and bring the supplies and how we wanted to do it at a campout. We presented it to him and he said “Yes! Good.. Great idea! Now go make it happen.” And we did. It was so cool! And now our patrol has this awesome red and blue hydro dipped patrol axe.
Another time I thought it would be fun to change up the games, make things a bit more fun rather than the dull same kind of stuff. So I thought it would be cool to create a Game Master position. This scout would basically plan new and fun games, run the ideas by the PLC and then run them at each meeting. I ran the idea by Mr Hynes and the PLC and they liked it. So starting the next week we started doing new games. It’s almost a year later and we are still doing new, fun stuff.
Mr Hynes could have said we don’t have time for that, or what we have works, but instead he allowed us to try new things, to find different ways that might work to make the patrols and troop stronger.
– Kevin Mitschke - A Scout is cheerful.
I can’t remember ever seeing Jeffrey when he didn’t smile. I suppose there were times when he didn’t really feel like smiling, but he did anyway, and it did what it was supposed to. It made me smile right back, brightening my day, at least for that moment.
– Tim Pacl - A Scout is Thrifty.
Jeffrey was never one to waste our time with unneeded meetings and kept to the topics at hand.
– Kevin Clark - A Scout is Brave…
- A Scout is Clean.
Jeffrey was great at reminding everyone that this point wasn’t just about keeping your looks or uniform or even your camp clean. But it means keeping your whole self clean. In his Scoutmaster minutes he might gently remind scouts that being clean meant saying nice things, or not using rough language. He was famous for reminding everyone to put on their sunscreen and reapply regularly. He wanted everyone to remember to take care of their body and their health. But also to be good in deeds, help others when you could, just a simple kindness could change a person’s day. But what Jeffrey was best at was modeling all of this for scouts and adults alike; for him it was just second nature; but was an excellent role model for us all.
– Amy Mitschke - A Scout is Reverent.
Jeffrey introduced the opening ceremony we still use to this day at our district Roundtable, “Historical Flags. This interesting opening was intended to bring an awareness to our volunteers that there are many ways to open a Scout meeting. We honor the American flag by learning about its history and can appreciate just how much this symbol has changed over the years. Jeffrey every year would bring Poppy Pins to our Roundtable and pass them out to the Scouters that attended for them to wear in honor of our fallen soldiers.
– Bianca Beadles
Jeffrey Hynes made the ultimate sacrifice to save the life of another while hiking in Iceland on July 24th, 2022. A Scout is Brave.
… and for all of us, this Scout is Remembered.
If you would like to help the Hynes family during this very difficult time by providing a meal, you can sign up at Meal Train.
| Funeral Services for Jeffrey Hynes: August 9, 2022 at 2PM Hope Presbyterian Church 11512 Olson Dr, Austin, TX |
The family encourages donations to the Capitol Area Council, BSA in lieu of flowers: In memorial to Jeffrey Hynes |
While Jeffrey has left us, he remains an inspiration.
Scouters wishing to attend the services may wear their uniform. It is appropriate to show how much Scouting was a part of his life. Many district folks will be there in uniform.
Jeffery, on the very day you passed I was thinking that you were such a positive inspiration to Me and my family for many years. I vowed that day to be more like you…….. it wasn’t until two days later that I found out you had gone home. I can’t help but to think that was your goodbye to me. Thank you. You will forever be in my heart!