Obituary of George Rex Sinyard

It is with great sadness, countless precious memories, and gratitude for a life well lived, that we announce the passing of George Rex Sinyard, our very dear, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and brother-in law at the age of 82 years. Leaving to mourn, his loving wife of 54 years, Catherine “Kitty”; his daughters, Kelly (Paul Spurrell) and Erin (Tom Stocki); and sons, Jason (Susan) and Andrew (Jennifer Kavanagh). In addition, his amazing grandchildren, Jacob and Lucas House, Sophie and Owen Sinyard, and Lane and Isla Sinyard, who were ever adored by their Grandpa. Also leaving to mourn, sister, Dorothy Funk, brother-in-law, Bill Kennedy, sister-in law, Regina French, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. Rex was predeceased by his parents, George and Margaret Sinyard; his sisters, Marie Dunne (Richard), Jean Reinhard (Gustav), and Eleanor Dawe (Andrew); and sisters-in-law, Mary Morin (Roland) and Sylvia Kennedy; and brother-in-law, John French. Rex was a friend to all and a mentor to many. He was born in Heart’s Content and grew up in Harbour Grace. He attended St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia before returning to Newfoundland to become a pharmacist. Rex was well known and respected in the community where he established Sinyard’s Pharmacy in 1965, which he owned and operated for over 40 years. Rex loved having a good ‘discussion’, listening to Irish and Newfoundland music, playing a game of crib, eating oysters, and drinking the occasional scotch. In his younger years, he was a sea cadet, enjoyed tennis, and loved to dance. He was an avid boater who spent many days on Conception Bay throughout his life since getting his first boat at the age of twelve. He had a lifelong love of travel, enjoying many family vacations, cruises, and trips throughout the world. His volunteer work was very important to him. Some of the organizations that benefitted from his involvement include the Aero Tennis Club, the Harbour Grace Regatta Committee, the Dalton Council Knights of Columbus #1448, the Harbour Grace branch of the Navy League of Canada, and the Newfoundland Pharmaceutical Association. In 1989, Rex was awarded the prestigious Bowl of Hygieia Award from the Pharmaceutical Association for outstanding community service and advancing the standards of pharmacy. Many thanks to Dr. Lonz Button and Dr. Megan Hayes for their care and friendship over the years, and to Dr. Dawn Howse, nurse practitioner Kevin Boate, and the staff on the 6th floor of the Carbonear General Hospital for their wonderful care and compassion over the past couple of weeks. Special thanks to David and Estelle Dawe. Visitation at Noel’s Funeral Home, Harvey Street, Harbour Grace on Thursday, May 12 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Funeral Mass to be held on Friday, May 13 at 11:00 a.m. from St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Riverhead, Harbour Grace. Masks are respectfully asked to be worn during the visitation and funeral mass. In lieu of flowers, in Rex’s memory, donations may be made to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Food Bank in Harbour Grace (electronic money transfer SVDP2019@yahoo.com or PO Box 258, Riverhead, Harbour Grace A0A 3P0) or a charity of one’s choice.