VINELAND, Ont. — The foodservice-and-hospitality industry is mourning the death of Paul Douglas House who passed away on Oct. 25, 2021. He was 78 years old.
Born on a farm in Stoney Creek, Ont. in 1944, House began his career in foodservice at an early age by marketing the family farm’s fruit and vegetables at the Hamilton Farmer’s Market. Then, House and his brother, Bob, maintained this connection by working and managing peach farms along the Niagara Peninsula.
With a passion for growth, House obtained a BA in Economics from McMaster University in 1969 and managed a franchise for Shell Oil Company in Hamilton shortly after. House decided to focus on foodservice once again and became district manager at Dairy Queen Canada Inc. Eventually, he climbed the corporate ladder and became director of Purchasing and vice-president of Canadian Operations.
From there, House joined Tim Hortons in 1985 as vice-president of Marketing. Two years later, he became senior vice-president of Operations and, in 1990, he was appointed to executive vice-president of Operations. In January of 1993, House was named Chief Operating Officer of TDL Group Ltd., and eventually president and CEO in 1995.
Under House’s leadership, Tim Hortons achieved extraordinary growth and success by expanding its menu, modifying restaurant designs and introducing Always Fresh baking. Throughout this evolution, the chain has retained its community roots and commitment to friendly service, fresh product and great value.
House raised two kids, Marnie and Ryan, with his first wife Carolee who passed away in 2004. He was also a beloved husband to Juliet. He was warm-hearted, quick-witted and ambitious, and his memory and accomplishments will live on forever.
