Obituary of Brian King

BRIAN KING 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).