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Timothy UNWIN Obituary

TIMOTHY N. UNWIN Timothy Nicholson Unwin died peacefully, on February 9, 2024, surrounded by his beloved wife, Anne, and children, Stephanie and Michael. Tim valued his family, friendships and colleagues, living his life with integrity. He was born in Toronto, spent time as a child in Montreal, and then moved with his family to Halifax where several of his most long-standing and cherished relationships were built. Tim graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Toronto. He began his career at Blake Cassels and Graydon in 1968 and helped lead the Finance, Securities and M&A practice to national prominence until his retirement in 2008. Tim had great respect and affection for his partners, and he took pride in mentoring and developing the next generation of lawyers. Through his relationships, intellect and work ethic, Tim was selected to open two international offices for Blakes. The first in London, England, in 1986, where the firm quickly found its footing and participated in many high-profile British privatizations. He returned to Toronto with his family in 1989 and remained there until he became Managing Partner of Blakes' New York office from 2004 to 2008. Tim exemplified what it meant to give back. In the early stages of his career, he became a Big Brother to two boys in Toronto. In 1993, Tim was appointed Chairman of the Toronto Community Foundation where he served two terms and helped change the trajectory of the organization. As Tim and Anne spent more time in the Bahamas, Tim became a valued board member of the Canadian Lyford Cay Foundation, serving as its President and Chairman from 2018 to 2023. The primary mission of the foundation is to provide learning opportunities for Bahamian children, contributing to the development of a more prosperous Bahamas. Under Tim's leadership, the Foundation initiated a new program for continuing and upgraded education for students from Grades 4 through 12. The effect on the Bahamas continues to be significant and the achievement is one to which Tim was particularly attached. Tim had several communities, all of which were important to him. Based in Toronto, he summered in Chester, Nova Scotia, and wintered in Lyford Cay, Bahamas. In each of these, he developed close and enduring relationships with people he met along the way. Tim had a magnetic personality, he was the epitome of fun, the giver of nicknames, and he never turned down the opportunity for some Dire Straits and dancing. He had a particular love for Rosedale Golf Club, which he joined in 1958. Many of his friendships were nurtured on the golf course, with lots of laughs and a few errant shots as well. Tim was a kind and honourable man, always making time for what was 'most important.' He made an impact on many and left the world a better place. He will be missed, especially by his great love and wife of almost 50 years, Anne; children, Stephanie (James Thompson) and Michael; grandchildren, Annabelle and Timmy Thompson, Tristan and Wilder Unwin; as well as sister, Donna Unwin; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Thank you to Toronto General Hospital for their wonderful care, especially Dr. Sean Cleary and his entire team. In memory of Tim, please consider donating to UHN Foundation, the Canadian Lyford Cay Foundation or a Charity of Your Choice. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Church, 24 Cheritan Avenue, on Thursday, February 15th at 11:00 a.m.

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Published by The Globe and Mail from Feb. 10 to Feb. 14, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Timothy UNWIN

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8 Entries

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Amy

February 19, 2024

My deepest condolences to all of the Unwin. Tim was quite a man, and although our meeting was brief, it was an absolute honor to have met him and all the Unwin's. It was a privilege's to be part of his care team. You are all in my thoughts.

Warmest Regards,
Amy

Janice cyril

February 17, 2024

Grandad(Tim) SIP I babysat Annabelle and Timmy and you were a wonderful presence in your family live. You will be missed.
Janice
Brooklyn NY

Dick Thompson

February 14, 2024

Tim was a lifelong friend who will be sorely missed.
I am grateful for his friendship starting in Dalhousie Commerce and continuing through Law at University of Toronto and Blakes.
He stood by my side in 1966 at my marriage and watched over my young son and my wife who was about to deliver our second child , when I needed to travel out of province for a family funeral.
In later years we stayed in touch through visits in Chester and Toronto.
My wife Gail and I send our condolences to Anne and their children at this time of heart-felt loss.

David Dickinson

February 12, 2024

I was working for a Canadian bank and a newcomer to the world of securities law when I first met Tim in the mid-80s. As our lead lawyer, Tim was tremendously patient and kind showing me the ropes. As time went on, Tim showed a real interest in my career, on several occasions arranging meetings he thought might be of benefit. I will always remember Tim for that kindness, grace, integrity, and unique style that immediately put people at ease. Sheila and I extend our sincere condolences to Anne and family at this most difficult time.

Nicholas Tidswell

February 11, 2024

With very fond memories of a great friend and immediate neighbour in Chester with drinks on our decks and balls in trouble on the golf course.

Rosemary Regan

February 10, 2024

Anne, your dear husband Tim was a great force with a wonderful sence of humour. I remember at dinner one night before the Royal Winter Horseshow how Tim was sharing that your mom and dad were outfitting your new home with drapes throughout as their housewarming gift to you and he was planning to have the exterior shrubs measured up for drapes as well (with a twinkle in his eyes and a great chuckle). God bless you and your family at this time of such loss.
Rosemary Regan

donald brown

February 10, 2024

Tim was a favorite colleague and partner of mine in our years together at Blakes. He was highly respected as an M&A Lawyer and was a superb rainmaker particularly in the UK. His amiability made him someone who you enjoyed being with in and out of the office. He will be missed. Bonnie and extend our condolences to Anne and his children.

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Memorial Events
for Timothy UNWIN

Feb

15

Funeral Mass

11:00 a.m.

Blessed Sacrament Church

24 Cheritan Avenue, ON