HARRISON, Timothy Harrison

Passed away peacefully at Brightshores Health System – Owen Sound on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. Born in Owen Sound on November 19, 1951, Timothy Howard Pratt Harrison of Owen Sound was in his 75th year.

Beloved husband of Carol Edwards of Owen Sound. Loving father of Noah (Sophie) Harrison and cherished Gramp of Fynnegan, Hayden, and Blair of British Columbia. Dear brother-in-law of Helen Harrison of Chatsworth, and Diane Edwards of Owen Sound. Loved son-in-law of Jean Edwards of Owen Sound. Timothy will also be missed by his nephews Colin and Will, and by all his friends.

Predeceased by his parents Art and Betsy Harrison, and by his siblings David Harrison and John Harrison.

Timothy Harrison was born and raised in Owen Sound, Ontario, where his love and passion for the arts started at a young age playing music with the family, including performing on local radio with his brother David as a teenager. From there his passion blossomed into an incredible career as an artist, producer, artistic director, writer, radio host and general activist for the promotion of the Arts. As a singer/songwriter he wrote, recorded and performed his music for over 5 decades, releasing an incredible catalog of songs and touring across Canada, the United States, and the UK. Tim’s music was published in and garnered great praise across many venerable industry publications – notably described as “Canada’s cinematic songwriter” by the Boston Globe. Tim also created his own record label, Second Avenue Records, on which he recorded and produced the music of many artists as well as his own. He served as artistic director of Mariposa, Northwind and Eaglewood Folk Festivals over various years through the 1980s and 1990s. However, his greatest legacy from a festival perspective was working with his brother John to co-found the Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival in Owen Sound which celebrated its 50th year last August. In 2019, he published his book “Acoustic Espionage, Folk Clubs, Festivals, and Maps Of Paris”, the story of his starting Summerfolk, and his journey of personal growth as a writer and performing artist.

This book also served as a chance introduction to his wife Carol while both were confined at home during Covid. Falling in love, Tim in BC and Carol in their hometown of Owen Sound, he packed up and drove across country so they could be together. He wrote about their adventure in his 2020 song, Love in the Time of Covid. The two were married two years later, they filled their days with love, laughter, joy and music.

Coming full circle, Tim spent his final years back in Owen Sound recording, writing and performing his music, connecting with his grandchildren and helping to nurture their budding interests in music, creating musical videos with Carol, cuddling with their adoring dog Scout while watching Jeopardy and nurturing his beautiful roses.

Tim will always be remembered through his music and by his contributions to the Arts communities across Canada.

In keeping with Tim’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Arrangements are entrusted to Brian E. Wood Funeral Home, Owen Sound, 519-376-7492.

As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to the Summerfolk Endowment Fund is appreciated. Online condolences can be sent to Tim’s family by visiting his memorial at www.woodfuneralhome.ca.