Tim and his partner originated the combination of hockey and donuts.  In 1974 the hockey legend’s career abruptly ended with his death, but his off-ice venture continues to grow. What is the story behind this?

Dr. Andrew Lindsay is an occasional teacher of college history with a fond memory of growing up and attending school in Scarborough, Ontario. When he isn’t losing himself in sports, horror movies or true crime stories, he likes to look back on those who were and remain pillars of happiness in his life, living or passed. Such peoples’ coolness never goes out of style and their significance never fades from memory.

Miles Gilbert “Tim” Horton (January 12, 1930 – February 21, 1974) was a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who played 24 seasons in the NHL. He spent the majority of his career playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs, later playing with the New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres. In 2017 Horton was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history. He died at age 44 following a single-vehicle crash. (Excerpt from Wikipedia)

Tim Horton’s are found in 14 countries, with 4,646 stores but it all began on May 17, 1964, with one store in Hamilton, Ontario. The original name of the location was Tim Horton Donuts and it was founded by legendary defenceman Tim Horton who was playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs at the time. Tim Horton had initially tried several different business ideas including a chain of hamburger restaurants but none had staying power.

That was until he opened that first donut shop. Soon after opening his new business, Horton met Ron Joyce, who was a former Hamilton police Constable. That year, Joyce took over the Tim Horton Donut Shop in Hamilton and within two years, two more locations were opened and Horton and Joyce became full partners. This arrangement would continue until 1974, when Horton was killed in a car accident. (Excerpt from https://canadaehx.com/2020/01/19/the-origin-of-tim-hortons/)