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Brian King Obituary
October 8, 1948 – May 10, 2016
A true Gentle Man! '
Brian will always be remembered for his generosity, quirky and quick wit as well as his gentle spirit and patience.
He arrived in Toronto in 1972 from Suffolk and London, England and immediately his entrepreneurship shone. A passionate creative genius, Brian executed brilliant events with fabulous menus, service, ambiance, and always a certain amount of panache. Always keen to push the envelope!
His passion for what was right was infectious. Banisher of the bullies, keeper of the peace, if there was right to be done, he would do it.
Brian loved art and beauty. He quietly went about visiting galleries and purchasing art that he loved; perhaps not realizing his own brilliance. Renowned for exquisite taste, and always generous with praise, there are likely legions of artists who found their stride in his compliments.
He volunteered and gave to so many organizations, Waladi Child Education Fund of Toronto, National Ballet School, CLGA, Fife House, Red Ribbon, CANFAR.
His Facebook posts always entertained and sometimes alarmed. A loyal devotee to The Queen, Brian especially enjoyed a televised Royal Event. He occasionally went off on "rants" as he called them, and often incorporated charity events, something or someone to note or something to support; among all those posts.
The Island, PEI, started as a summer romance and then became a home. He was known as the land baron with homes in Cherry Valley, Blooming Point, Charlottetown and Victoria By the Sea. He loved to putter about, engage in the local comings and goings, collect treasures and mostly loved the sea.
He sadly leaves, "Ma", Daphne King, his brother Paul King and his forever friend and business partner, Simon Kattar. And so many more friends.
A funeral service will be held in THE CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER, 162 Bloor Street West, on Thursday, May 19th at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow immediately at A La Carte at The Gardiner Bistro, The Gardiner Museum, 111 Queen's Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Waldi Child Education Fund of Toronto (225 MacPherson Avenue, Unit B, Toronto, ON M4V 1A1) or the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives (P.O. Box 699, 663A Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M4Y 1Z9). Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com
Memories and Condolences
for Brian King
7 Entries
Sheila Tabakoff
November 24, 2017
I adored Brian King, who I met in 1998-1999 when I was acting director of The Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art. Together we opened a restaurant at the museum that became a popular meeting place for patrons and friends. Brian and I remained in touch off and on after I left Toronto, and we're even talking about bringing a foodie group to Italy. He was a very special, told-it-like-he-saw-it man, who will always hold a special place in my heart.
Marie Victoria V Cruz
May 29, 2016
I just found out today that dear Brian transitioned over two weeks ago. I am totally heartbroken. I was looking forward to seeing his bright smiling face and receiving one of his great big hugs on my next trip home to Toronto. When I think of Brian I always think of good times full of laughter and fun! I will treasure our exchanges on Fb and make sure to keep them. I will pray that his soul is enjoying peace, beautiful music and all the other exquisite visual and performing arts he so loved here on earth...wherever he has journeyed. I love you Brian King and I am ever so grateful to have known you in this lifetime! xo MarieV
Kim and Mike Barton
May 19, 2016
Our hearts are broken here in PEI. You are with the Angels my friend, but still gone too soon,
Cindy (Mortimer) Bennell
May 19, 2016
Paul, Simon and Val my heart and prayers are with you ... too many memories ....so many laughs...so much fun....I learned what hard work was, and loved every minute...he was the best boss ever...(you too Simon!)....
Your loss is unimaginable...and you are on my mind and in my thoughts. Toronto has lost a true icon . Love to you all, Cindy (Mortimer) Bennell xoxoxo
Marlene and Ronald
May 18, 2016
A darling man, friend and neighbour
Carol McTaggart
May 16, 2016
Brian was a true gentleman and I will always remember the visit to his beautiful home in PEI and the wonderful lunch beside the ocean last summer.
Daphne we are thinking of you and your loss. So sorry !
Ted and Carol xo
Gary/Allan Daigle/Linletter
May 14, 2016
So sad to see you go so quick, you will
Never be forgotten. Keep smiling and the Angel will sing. God bless your family,keep strong, and faith.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Memorial Events
for Brian King
Funeral services provided by:
Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles - Newbigging Chapel Limited1403 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4G 3A8