Saskatchewan gay community reflects on Chris Hyndman death

Many Canadians and fans of theCBC-TVshow Steven and Chris are mourningthe death of one of its stars.

Christopher Hyndmanwas found dead near his Toronto home by police on Monday night.He was 49 years old.

A memo distributed to CBC staff on Tuesday said, "We extend our deepest sympathies to Steven [Sabados], family, friends and colleagues; our thoughts are with them all."

Hyndmanand his co-host and off-air husband StevenSabados, hadhosted the show since 2008.

Condolences from around the country have been sent through social media over the past 24 hours.

Members of the gay community in Saskatchewan have been among those leaving messages, some of whom said the same-sexcouple's presence on mainstream television helped change the perception of theLGBTcommunity in Canada.

It is important for people in the LGBT community to see gay and lesbian Canadians represented in mainstream culture, according to Garnet Woloschuk, program manager of Out Saskatoon, which provides education and programs for the LGBT community at the Avenue Community Centre.

"It gives an opportunity for people to go 'Yes, that's me. That's how I identify.' Whether they're avid fans or not, it's always good to have those kinds of images out there to support you."