Paul House, who led the Tim Hortons brand for many years and had strong connections to Brock University, passed away Monday, Oct. 25 after battling illness.

He was a renowned business figure who joined the TDL Group Corp, which owned Tim Hortons, in 1985 and served a variety of roles including Vice-President of Marketing, Senior Vice-President of Operations, Executive Vice-President of Operations, Chief Operating Officer, President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Chairman until 2013.

During House’s time with TDL, Tim Hortons experienced remarkable growth to become a leader in the food sector while retaining its community roots.

His daughter Marnie Sheridan (BRLS ’00, BEd ’01) and son-in-law Warren Sheridan (BA ’00) attended Brock, and he was part of the Dean’s Advisory Council for the Goodman School of Business from 2005 until 2016.

In 2007, House became Goodman’s inaugural Faculty of Business Distinguished Leader, and, in June 2008, he received an honorary doctorate during the University’s Spring Convocation.

He served as a Board of Trustees member from 2008 until 2014.

“Paul was a great friend to the Goodman School of Business and Brock University,” said Goodman Dean Andrew Gaudes. “He is remembered as a strong and effective business leader, having had a significant impact on the people and businesses he worked with. More importantly, Paul is remembered as a kind and true gentleman and will be missed by the people who knew him.”

Details for a Celebration of Life will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Salvation Army, St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation (Toronto), the Scott Mission or McNally House.