Does the name Tim Hortorns Inc. ring a bell? It is an international restaurant specializing in fast food, famous for its coffee and delicious donuts. The restaurant has its branches spread all over the world and as of 2016, it had opened more than four thousand branches in fourteen countries around the world. Meanwhile, the company was founded by the late hockey superstar Tim Horton with his friend Ron Royce. However, Tim died in 1974 after being involved in a car accident. Since then, his legacy has continued to live on within his family and businesses. Learn everything you need to know about Tim Hortons below.
Who was Tim Hortons? Everything you need to know
Tim Horton was a Canadian professional hockey superstar and successful businessman, best known for being the co-founder of the Tim Hortons restaurant chain. During his playing career, the defenseman completed 24 professional seasons in the National Hockey League. After his exceptional style of play and excellent achievements, Tim was considered one of the greatest hockey players in history. He was posthumously inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1977.
Hockey legend, Tim Horton was born in Cochrane City, Ontario, Canada on January 12, 1930. He was the son of Aaron Oakley and his wife Ethel May. Tim grew up with his brother Gerry Horton. Due to the nature of his father’s work, he spent his early years moving from town to town; his father worked as a railroad mechanic. He developed an interest in ice hockey at a very young age and during his high school years, he played for his school team. Tim graduated from high school at St. Michael’s College School. After his impressive run with the school hockey team, Tim caught the eye of top NHL teams and was later signed by the Toronto Maple Leafs junior hockey team.
Turning professional, Tim Horton made his National Hockey League debut in March 1950. At the time, he split his time between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Pittsburgh Hornets of the American Hockey League. The hockey star has made strides in his professional career and helped the Leafs win multiple championships, including four Stanley Cups, among others. He also played for other NHL teams such as Buffalo Sabres, New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins etc. His professional career came to an abrupt end after his disappearance in 1974.
What was he known for?
Tim Horton was undoubtedly one of the best hockey players the world has ever known. He was able to set different records during his playing career. after his death, his legacy continued to inspire future ice hockey stars. During this time, he was also the highest-earning hockey star. In addition to his budding hockey career, Tim was also a successful businessman and co-owner of the Tim Hortons franchise system. While Horton pursued his professional career, he also dabbled in business; thus opening different businesses in Canada, including a hamburger restaurant and a car retailer.
Later, he opened the Tim Horton Donut Shop in Hamilton, Ontario in 1964. His donut business was incredibly successful, and in 1968 it grew into a multi-million dollar franchise system. After his death, his partner, Ron Joyce, bought out the shares of the Horton business and became its sole owner. Surprisingly, the company which had about 40 stores at the time expanded to around 4,600 stores in 2013.
Death: how did he die?
Tim Horton’s sudden death has left his wife, four daughters and millions of fans in overwhelming distress. He died following a fatal car accident on February 21, 1974. It was after the game against his former team, the Maple Leafs, that he crashed in front of his De Tomaso Pantera sports car while he was going back to Buffalo. After the crash, he was taken to St. Catharines General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a few hours later.
Shortly after his death, his business partner RonJoyce offered Tim’s wife, Lori Michalek, $1 million for his shares in the Tim Hortons business chain and eventually became the sole owner of the business. ‘business. Although she agreed at first, she later filed a lawsuit against Ron, but ultimately lost the suit in 1993. Lori died in 2000, leaving behind her four daughters – Kim, Traci, Jeri- Lyn and Kelly.