Dr. Timothy John Durrant, husband, father, brother, son-in-law, uncle, physician, friend, racquet sports enthusiast, golfer, skier, oenophile, foodie, traveller, music lover, news junkie, and concert-goer finally succumbed to metastatic cancer on April 21, 2023. He died peacefully at home, with his daughter Sydney by his side. Tim was born in Toronto to John W. Durrant and Jean A. Durrant née Burnett.
Tim was well-educated and had a brilliant mind. He first attended Queen’s University where he earned his degree in chemical engineering. He then had a change of heart and decided he wanted to pursue medicine. He did an additional year at Queen’s so he could complete his medical prerequisites. He then attended medical school at the University of Toronto, where he earned his medical degree. Tim then pursued a residency in radiology at Foothills Hospital in Calgary, followed by a fellowship at the University of Toronto.
Along the way, he met his spouse, Linda Austin, the yin to his yang. Tim was a devoted and loving partner. They moved from Bloor West Village in Toronto to Port Credit and finally in 2006 to Oakville. 2006 also saw the birth of their daughter Sydney, and with the addition of many well-loved pets, the family was complete. Tim loved Sydney with all his heart and encouraged and supported her in all her undertakings.
Tim thrived on being a radiologist - it was the core of who he was. He spent the last 25 years as part of the radiology team at the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, most recently in the role of MRI Lead. He was dedicated to his work and earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues, patients and community. In the words of a colleague, “Tim was a dedicated physician who set a high standard of quality for our patients.”
He also served for 25 years on the board of the Ontario Association of Radiologists as treasurer and was an active volunteer with Halton Meals on Wheels.
Tim was first diagnosed with cancer in 2019. He spent the next three years enduring various treatments as the cancer spread. He was determined to beat the disease (or at least slow the spread) as he didn’t want to prematurely leave the people and life that he so loved. He was stoic, rarely complained, and continued to live his life to the fullest. Over the course of his illness, he continued to play sports, travel, work, enjoy a glass of wine (or two) with a good meal and socialize regularly. His determination and fortitude gave strength to those who knew him. We will all miss his sharp mind, acerbic wit, sense of humour, cryptic text messages, broad interests, and love of friends and family.
He is survived by his spouse, Linda Austin, daughter Sydney, sister Ellen Durrant, brother Keith Durrant, sister-in-law Susan Brown, mother-in-law, Mary Austin, father-in-law David and Ellie Austin, sister-in-law Cathy Austin, nieces and nephews, Lucas, Sage, Jackson, Macy, and Leah and pets Kira and Tiger.
In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting Princess Margaret Hospital, Halton Meals on Wheels or the Canadian Cancer Society.