Keith Rynard

Keith Rynard undoubtedly learned the importance of being resourceful and innovative from his parents, who in 1902, purchased the property now known as Rynbrock Farms located at lot 4,concession 5 in Brock Township. The Rynards were one of the first Brock families to install electricity in the barn and later to adopt the use of first rubber tired tractors. Under Keith’s management the farm maintained a successful Holstein dairy herd. With the outbreak of World War II, always thinking innovatively, Keith extended his farm operation to include pork production. For some fifteen years, Rynbrock was a top Canadian exporter of purebred pigs to the United States. Later, Rynard again shifted focus and established a large hatching and broiler chicken operation.

Keith also had a keen interest in community service. This interest led to his involvement in local politics. He served Brock Township as Councillor, Deputy-Reeve and Reeve and the Regional Municipality of Durham as Regional Councillor and Mayor. In these capacities he is credited with strongly influencing the funding for the new library in 1972, the medical centre in 1975, the sewer system in 1979 and the Maple Glen Apartments for seniors.

Keith was a charter member of the Sunderland Lions Club and active in his support of the Town Hall and the Music Festival. Always interested in the history of the area he promoted the Township’s establishment of a local museum to be managed by the Sunderland and District Historical Society, an organization in which he was later very active, The research area of this museum is named in his honour.