Chris Hyndman 'saved my life' says friend Jeanne Beker

Jeanne Bekersays the fashion community is reeling overthe sudden deathof Chris Hyndman, a former colleague and friend who she credits with helping her through one of the darkest periods of her life.

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"I can honestly say that Chris saved my life at one point when I was going through a depression," said Beker in an interview Wednesday on CBC Radio's Metro Morning. "He talked to me about all the reasons I had for living. He was a guy that would always be there for you."

Hyndmanone half of the television duo Steven and Chris on CBC televisionwas found dead in Toronto's east end on Monday night. He was 49.

Toronto police toldCBC News on Tuesdaythat Hyndmanwas found without vital signs in a laneway near the intersection of Queen Street and BroadviewAvenue shortly after 11 p.m. ET Monday. His death spurred an outpouring of sympathy on social media.

Beker, the former host of Fashion Television and one of Canada's best-known fashion journalists, first met Hyndmanin the early 1990swhen he was working behind the makeup counter at The Bay in Toronto.

"He called out to me, trying to sell some skin care products, and we started chatting," she said.

The two became friends and latercolleagues, withHyndman goingon to work as amakeup artistwhereBekerworked as a television journalistat CityTV.

Beker said in addition to Hyndman'soutgoing spirit and sense ofhumour familiar to Steven and Chris viewers, he was also a kind, loyal friend who helped her though a difficult divorce.

"He scraped me off the floor when my marriage came to an end," said Beker.

She recalled how Hyndman worked to support the television aspirations of his life-partner Steven Sabados, before Steven and Chris became a hit show.

Beker said Hyndman was working to get Sabados on TV, not himself. Aproducer noticed the couple's undeniable chemistry and suggested they work as a duo.

"Chris was torn about it," Beker recalled. "He never saw himself as that kind of on-air personality, but what a great one he made."

The on-screen pairing ofHyndmanand Sabados went on to notable successwith several programs before appearingon CBC-TV, including theHGTVshowsChic with Steven and Chris, Design RivalsandDesigner Guys.

"He really knew and loved the power of glamour and I think that's what he brought to women from coast to coast," said Beker.

She also praised Hyndman and Sabados for choosing to be open and publicabout their relationship as a couple on and off the screen.

"They really did blaze trails in that area and they will be remembered for that as a couple."

A book of condolences has been set up in the atrium of the CBC Broadcast Centre in Toronto for people to share their memories of Hyndman.

"We're all reeling," said Beker. "He will be so sorely missed."