Joseph Albert 'Tedd' Theodore Genest

On June 20 1940 Babe and Arthur Genest welcomed their second child, and first son, Joseph Theodore Albert. He was born a premature baby and required a blood transfusion at birth. As a baby, he was soon called Tedd or Teddy for short. Tedd was always a deep thinker. He was a quiet, shy, obedient young boy who became his older sister's best friend. In 1948, his father was away working, leaving his mother to care for five children. It was difficult to transport the two older children to school; therefore, he and his older sister attended the Convent in Mornville for one year. The following year, the children returned home to Clyde and attended Dunrobin School in Vimy.
At the young age of 9, while his dad was away working on the Alaskan highway, Tedd soon became his mother's right hand helper. He milked the cows, chopped wood, picked eggs and anything else around the farm that he could do to help his mother.
At the age of 15 he had a job with the Donald brothers on their farm. We believe this is where Tedd learned how to drive. His new employer entrusted him to transport a truck full of cows to Gainers Slaughter house, located approximately 65 miles away. Off he went, without a driver's license and accompanied by another young farm hand to help him unload upon arrival at Gainers.
In 1956, his family moved to Edmonton where he continued his education at St. Joseph's Senior High School. During grade12, played on the football team and he worked at two part-time jobs. One job was as a salesman in the men's wear at Simpson Sears and the other one was as a helper at Nelson Lumber. A review of his Official Transcript for his graduation reveals that he was a straight "A" student with honors in French.
It was the summer of 1957 that he met his golf mentor, the late Mr. John Aitken. Tedd eagerly joined his Junior Golf Program at the Victoria Golf Club in Edmonton. This not only marks the beginning of his lifelong fascination with the game of golf but also a lifetime friend with John. Tedd majored in chemistry at the University of Alberta. While there, he was selected to attend the ROTP Canadian Navy program. His early career with Dow Chemical took him to Fort Saskatchewan. Here, he studied Second Class Stationary Power Engineering by correspondence through SAIT.
At the age of 25, his work adventures took him to the other side of the continent. Tedd had an incredible working career as a Start-up Engineer with Dow Chemical, Bechtel Corporation, Burns & Roe, C & I Girdler Corporation, Shell Canada, and the Great Canadian Oil Sands. His jobs took him from coast to coast in Canada and the United States, as well as India, Libya, Australia, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt and the Caribbean. While living in the US, he took a speaking course at the Columbia School of Broadcasting.
In the early seventies, Tedd left the stressful environment of the oil & gas industry, turning his interest to golf. For 10 years he was employed as an: Assistant Pro, Head Assistant Pro or the Head Pro, at Willow Park Golf & Country Club (Calgary), Royal Colwood Golf Club (Victoria), Ardmore Golf Club (Sidney), Chippewa Golf Club (Southhampton, Ontario) and Red Deer Golf & Country Club. Throughout this time he taught golfers with various levels of skill. He set up the Junior programs at some of these clubs. While working at the Douglas Golf Land Driving Range as the Teaching Professional (1974-76 in Victoria), he introduced the first video system for golf lessons in Victoria. During this time Tedd was sponsored by the Lynx Golf Clubs and Equipment Company.
The eighties directed him back to the Oil and Gas industry in Calgary. While working in Calgary, he headed back to SAIT for two years. Here, he took P & ID Drafting and Architectural Design classes. Shortly thereafter, he opened his own Oil, Gas and Architecture consulting firm in Calgary. During this time he also worked as the Associate Professional at McGowan's Discount Golf Centre and the Prairie Winds driving range as the Teaching Professional.
At the age of 56 retirement looked like the next step for Tedd to take. He closed his Oil, Gas and Architecture consulting firm in Calgary then sold his beautiful home in Lakeview to venture to the west coast. He fell in love with the slower pace and beauty that he found in the Cowichan Valley. He decided to make the quaint community of Duncan his new home. To occupy his days, he became a Teaching Professional at Nanaimo's Eagle quest Driving Range. He became a member of: the Cowichan Golf and Country Club, St Edwards' Catholic Church and sat on various boards and committees. He was an influential asset to his community.
When we think of Tedd we think of cars and golf. The first car that he bought in 1960 was a 1959 Chevy Impala convertible. He has owned everything from a Corvette to a Cadillac, from a Lincoln to an SSR and everything in between. A list was found showing the year and make of the 50 vehicles that he has owned in his lifetime.
He has played in multiple golf tournaments and competitions in every country, state or province that he has lived in or visited. He was lucky enough to have played golf at some of the most renowned courses in the world. Many newspapers featured stories about his golfing career, both for his skill and his involvement in teaching the game. He has acquired numerous golf collections, collector clubs and various other golf collectables which he meticulously set up in display cabinets in his home.
Throughout his life travels, Tedd made many friends. No matter how busy he was, he always kept in contact with his family and friends. His watchful eye on those of us he loved and respected was ever present. Tedd enjoyed all the family times shared with great meals and stories both new and old. Tedd led a very full and successful life. His unexpected passing has left a very big hole in our family. We hope he is now touring with some of the greatest - Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson and of course his mentor Johnny Aitken. Perhaps he is cruising in his new BMW en route to a wonderful dinner with Mom, Dad, and Bev. We know he is spiritually at peace in death as he was in his life.

Celebration of Life