Vancouver Tim Hortons pays tribute to homeless patron
VANCOUVER – A Tim Hortons outlet in Vancouver paid a fond farewell to a regular patron recently after the death of “Ted,” a homeless man who lived at the always-open restaurant.
Known as kind and easygoing, the older man began sleeping, eating and hanging out at the coffee shop about 10 years ago, according to the Canadian Press.
Struggling with cancer, Ted suffered a medical episode prior to his death, so staff called 911 for assistance.
Tim Hortons said it is reviewing the details of the incident, adding restaurant owners and their teams have full discretion to do what’s necessary to help guests who need medical assistance.
“Like other members of the community, we were saddened to hear this news. The individual was a regular at the restaurant and will be missed,’’ said a statement from the chain.
Ted was a retired low-wage worker who struggled to make ends meet, said Judy Graves, an advocate for the homeless.
“He decided to maintain his dignity by living as much as he possibly could at Tim Hortons… I’m nothing but grateful to that Tim Hortons.”
