We are profoundly saddened to announce that Tim Laing, co-founder and co-Chairman of ole, passed away on the evening of September 26 following a battle with cancer. He was 63.

Tim was that rare breed of industry executive whose genius for business was equally matched by his artistic sense and passion for music. “I’m a sucker for a great voice, a great song, great piano and someone who wears their heart on their sleeve,” Tim commented recently in relation to a song by ole writer Clare Reynolds. He was as attuned to ole’s creative roster as to the company’s bottom line.

His media career began at Toronto radio station CHUM-FM working as a broadcast journalist and on-air personality as a member of the station’s number-one rated morning show. He was a film director and producer for the CTV and CBC television networks in Canada. Tim also worked in the financial services industry for 14 years, beginning in Chicago as a commodity broker, but soon rising to the position of Vice-President of Marketing for a global investment bank.  

On September 28, 2004, Tim and ole co-Chairman and CEO Robert Ott, co-founded ole, an idea they had been working on since 2002. “Throughout those early days, and every day since, Tim was a true believer in ole and a wise, supportive and positive friend,” says Robert. “I believe that, out there somewhere, he’ll continue to be.”

All of us at ole will miss Tim dearly. Although Tim had not been part of the operations since 2009, he remained as a Board member and advisor. He was also a mentor, coach and supportive colleague who inspired us all to achieve excellence.