40th anniversary of Tim Horton’s death

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This is an ominous anniversary: 40 years ago today, Tim Horton died in a crash on the QEW in St Catharines.

His name evokes images of steaming coffee on a cold winter morning, but the legend behind one of Canada’s most successful empires built his career in the NHL.

Tim Horton signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1950 where he remained for 20 years, winning four Stanley Cups. Despite his reputation as a tough guy, Horton was also considered a skilled defenceman. In 1962 he scored three goals and 13 assists during the playoffs, setting a Leafs team record.

While playing with the Leafs, Horton met and befriended a Hamilton cop by the name of Ron Joyce and together they opened the first Tim Horton’s franchise on Ottawa St. The concept took off and soon became a multi-million dollar company.

During this time, Horton continued playing hockey and at the age of 42, was traded to Buffalo. It was following a game between Buffalo and Toronto that Horton would die in a fatal car crash on the QEW. He had been drinking.

Following Horton’s death, Ron Joyce offered Lori Horton, Tim’s widow, a million dollars for her shares in the chain. Years later Lori Horton claimed the deal was unfair, and sued Joyce. She lost the lawsuit in 1993 and died seven years later.

Today, 50 years after opening its first outlet, Tim Hortons has grown into one of Canada’s most successful empires, with over 3,000 franchises in canada and 500 in the United States.