June 25, 1960 – December 25, 2024
Tim was born in Saskatoon to his mother Willma Popham and father Charles (Pete) O’Connor, and moved with his family to Victoria when he was seven years old. Tim went to Oak Bay High School and graduated from Vic High.
He moved to Hawaii at age 18 where he worked in his cousin’s restaurant for two years. At age 21 he went to UCLA to get a degree in Television Arts and Science. He then returned to Victoria to work for Rogers Communications.
Tim went to Toronto in 1984 to pursue a career in television. His first job was with the Canadian Home Shopping Club, and he then worked at YTV and launched the popular YTV Rocks show. Moving to CTV, he became the day-of technical producer of Canada AM.
Toronto is also where Tim met his husband John Dolman in 1989. Five years later they moved to the West Coast to be closer to Tim’s mom after his father died. They chose to live on Salt Spring Island, while commuting to work for CTV in Vancouver four to six times a month.
In 1996, they established Island Star Video in Ganges, which became an important community hub. They created the same kind of place at TJ Beans when they opened the coffee shop in 2006. Tim and John were married in 2005.
Tim’s love of his community shone in his support for Island Star Video Oscar night parties, Movies in the Park, Remembrance Day, Pride events, Canada Day celebrations (including fundraising for Canada Day fireworks and the beach ball toss tradition), youth baseball and many other causes, people and activities.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Copper Kettle Community Partnership or Salt Spring Island Food Bank in Tim’s name.
Oh my God Tim I will miss you. He is and was loved by so many. I worked for Tim at Island Star Video many years ago and attended his wedding to John. Took care of his dogs and laughed many times at his stories. I’m so sorry to hear the news of Tim’s passing …I pray for John and thank the memories they created for me.
Oh heavens. I am so sorry to hear of this. I so enjoyed seeing Tim and John whenever we visited the island. They did so much for the community on SSI, and he will be so missed. John, if you see this, ET and I send you our sincerest condolences.
What a beautiful tribute. Tim, you were such a lovely, kind, mischievous, fun man. A model for so many of us of how to live a meaningful life. Sending much love to John and all who loved Tim. You will be sorely missed by all of us.
Tim will be missed by many on Salt Spring. He and his husband gave a lot to our community. I am glad to have known him.
RIP dear friend.
Alan Moberg
John, I am so sorry for your loss. Tim was a lovely man. He will be missed by many. Peace to you, Tim, and love to you, John, from both of us.
Gayle & Jay LeBlanc
What a great person… will be missed by many, and will always be remembered. You gave so much to the community and will be missed. <3
What can one say when the community loses another well-loved member? My heart goes out to John. I know and feel the pain such a loss leaves for us to process. Know that many on Saltspring you may not know are aware of all you have done for the community and share your grief.
Just learned of Tim’s passing & wanted to say how much you both mean to me. I am so sorry for the painful hole in your heart John. Caring like you do for the community, the outpouring of love ( a few examples on this page) will be reminders of how much people love you & care deeply but this caring makes it harder to cope, so I apologise for this late entry but I love you guys. You always opened your arms wide to me, always so supportive. You jumped to when asked if you could help with a PA system & Dan’s music when he passed away 19 yrs. ago, at age 19, never forgotten you or your kindness.