UPEI mourns the passing of Dr. Fred Hyndman, CM, LLD
The University of Prince Edward Island is mourning the passing of Frederick E. Hyndman, CM, LLD, a former member and chair of the UPEI Board of Governors. Dr. Hyndman passed away on July 29, 2026.
As chair from 2006 to 2012, he led the Board during a time of significant growth in enrolment and infrastructure at the University. After completing his term as chair, he continued to be an ardent supporter of UPEI and a leading donor. He received a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, from UPEI in 2013 to recognize his significant contributions to post-secondary education, community heritage, the arts, and health care on PEI. (Watch the interview with Dr. Hyndman as part of the Robertson Library series, 50 Years, 50 Voices, which was produced in 2019 to celebrate UPEI's 50th anniversary.)
Dr. Hyndman’s contributions to post-secondary education go back to his service as a member of the University/College Planning Committee in 1968–69 that led to the creation of UPEI and Holland College. For four years, he was a member of the founding Board of Governors of Holland College. Prior to his six years on the UPEI Board, he was chair of the University’s highly successful “Building a Legacy” campaign, the largest fundraising effort of its kind on PEI at that time.
Dr. Hyndman was a highly regarded leader in the insurance sector during his 60-year career; he was recognized as a Fellow of the Insurance Institute of Canada in 1976 and received the Institute’s Award of Merit in 1997. He also was active at the national level, serving on numerous boards including the Bank of Canada, Canadian Blood Services (CBS), CBS Insurance, and the Fathers of Confederation Building Trust. In addition, he was a volunteer, fundraiser, and philanthropist who has made lasting contributions in the areas of education, heritage, health care, the arts, and economic development.
The UPEI community expresses condolences to Dr. Hyndman's wife Shirley, family, friends, and colleagues. The University’s flags have been lowered to half-mast in recognition of Dr. Hyndman’s contribution to UPEI, post-secondary education, business, and the community. Read the obituary here.
