Peter James Horth

To Peter James "Jimmy" Horth, the entire world was a stage. An expressive, optimistic, and uninhibited individual, he was a performer in the theater of life. To everyone around him, he seemed to be eternally happy, and he willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life he touched. For Jimmy, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, he could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. Jimmy really mastered the art of living and had great fun in doing so. As well as being outgoing and energetic, Jimmy also loved his quiet times, sometimes by himself or with his family and friends.

       His parents were Nick and Marg Horth. Jimmy was raised in Cabbagetown, Toronto. Even as a child, Jimmy had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around him. He was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. He couldn’t help but capture everyone’s attention. He was definitely a little bit of a show off, but in doing so, he succeeded in entertaining his entire family.

      Always a good playmate, Jimmy was easygoing and fun loving. He managed to lighten the mood wherever he was, even during family squabbles. He seemed to have a knack for bringing compromise and erasing tense situations around the house. Due to a generous dose of common sense, Jimmy managed to find a satisfying solution to basic problems. Jimmy was raised with 3 siblings. He had 2 older brothers, Billy and Robby and 1 younger sister, Patsy.

      All of Jimmy's playful good humor carried over into his childhood. He was possessed with an outgoing personality, a lively imagination and a mellowed enthusiasm for life that allowed him to be constantly on the go. As a result, Jimmy experienced a rather active childhood, and this suited him very well. He Peter loved playing pool and charming the ladies.

      Ask anyone who knew him from school and they would tell you that Jimmy was a class “cut-up.” He didn’t do it to be unkind or to garner all the attention. Rather, Jimmy simply enjoyed others’ laughter and the sounds of his friends and acquaintances having a good time. It could be said that for Jimmy, grades may not have been the most important thing to him, but he really did enjoy his school experience. Since experience was Jimmy's best teacher. He enjoyed hands-on learning and applying the “practical” approach to knowledge, rather than getting caught up in “theory. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

      Jimmy never actually encountered a stranger in his dealings with people. He was drawn to individuals and crowds, using his gregarious, adaptable and outgoing personality to captivate his audience. This quality allowed Jimmy to continually develop new relationships, ever widening his circle of friends. Jimmy delighted in his role among all his acquaintances, because he viewed them all as potential spectators for his performance. Whether it was a story, a joke, a song or just plain fooling around, Jimmy was always right at home putting on a show among his friends. Jimmy utilized his interest in others as a great way to connect with them. While growing up, some of his best friends were Doug and Patsy, Ronnie, Julie, Joan, Nevin, Gary and Sandy who were members of his extended family. Jimmy remained friends for 40 years with the same people with whom he grew up, as well as having many other friends who are too many to name. Jimmy loved sharing life and having his home filled with people he knew.

      The gift of being emotionally expressive and outwardly affectionate made Jimmy very easy to approach. He tried hard not to impose on his spouse, Marilyn, whom he married on February 17, 1968. He was always sensitive to other people’s feelings.

      Perhaps the reason Jimmy related so well to children was the fact that he never really completely grew up himself. The ability to be just a “kid at heart” helped him in raising his own children. Jimmy was blessed with 2 children, one son, J. J. and one daughter, Kristi. He was also blessed with 6 grandchildren, Cameron, Lisa, Mikey, John, Matthew and Andy. Jimmy had the ability to focus his attention on the present moment. If he was spending time with the kids, that’s where all of his attention was directed. Jimmy's compassionate side prevented him from being a strict disciplinarian, and he could turn just about any situation into a playful, learning experience. He could spend hours entertaining them with fun and creative play. In fact, Jimmy had a knack for turning some of those nasty old chores into games.

      At work, as in life, Jimmy was a real “people person. ” He had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and his enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. Jimmy liked to see himself as something of a virtuoso. When dealing with various projects and problems, Jimmy was an adaptable realist, using his common sense and trusting his experiences and impulses to uncover the correct answer. Jimmy's talent for being a down to earth thinker, allowed many around him to see Jimmy as an excellent problem solver. His primary occupation was in quality control and a shipper and receiver. Jimmy was also the union rep and the health and safety rep. He was employed for 40 years at Protectolite Plastics. Jimmy worked there LONGER THAN ANY OTHER employee.

      Jimmy enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. An “arts and crafts” type, Jimmy liked creating and making things. His favorite pursuits were playing poker with the gang, playing Cribbage with Bobby. Jimmy also loved doing crosswords. He was also an avid 'Spite and Malice' Player. Jimmy was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Jimmy felt excited and challenged by sports. Even if he wasn’t the best, Jimmy loved to participate and thoroughly enjoyed the competition and the pleasure of being around other people. Jimmy relished the opportunities where he could make an impact, and he would often push himself to play above his abilities. A quick thinker who understood the basics, Jimmy never seemed to get caught off guard, even when confronted with unexpected conflict. Recreational sports included bike riding and 'Babe Watching'. Jimmy was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were GOLF, GOLF AND MORE GOLF! Jimmy loved his Sundays of sitting in his favorite chair watching golf.

      Living life in the fast lane suited Jimmy just fine. It is no surprise that he loved to travel and to visit new and different places. He was naturally curious about other parts of the world and loved the real life adventure that came from visiting them. He was impulsive and willing to try anything once. Favorite vacations included visiting his "Baby Sis" and family in Kingston, New York City, Negril Jamaica and visiting Gary and Sandy in Nova Scotia.

      Jimmy passed away peacefully at his home on September 21, 2010. A sudden heart attack took Jimmy away from his family and friends. Jimmy is survived by his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and MANY, MANY friends and the rest of his family. Services were held at Giffen-Mack 'Danforth' Funeral Home.

      Jimmy brought joy to all of those around him. He never had a mean bone in his body. He loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. He loved to share his energy, wit, and his zest for all of his activities with his friends and family. Peter James "Jimmy" Horth lived life to its fullest and made everyone around him happier just for knowing him. He will be remembered with a smile.

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PETER JAMES 'JIMMY' HORTH

SUNRISE:

January 9, 1948

Toronto, Ontario

SUNSET

September 21, 2010

Toronto, Ontario

Suddenly at his home on Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at age 62. Loving father of J.J. and Kristi. Proud grandpa of Cameron, Lisa, Mikey, John "Jake", Matthew and Andy. Brother of Bobby, Billy and Patsy. Coolest Uncle to his many nieces and nephews. Also survived by Marilyn. Visitation 9 a.m., Saturday at the GIFFEN-MACK 'DANFORTH' FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 2570 Danforth Ave., (at Main St. subway),

416-698-3121, until time of service in the chapel at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the charity of your choice. Condolences and memories may be made at www.giffenmackdanforth.com

To Those I Love and Those Who Love Me

When I am gone, release me, let me go...

I have so many things to see and do.

You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears.

Be thankful for the beautiful years

I gave to you my love.

You can only guess

How much you gave to me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you have shown,

But now it’s time I traveled on alone.

So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must

Then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It’s only for a short time that we must part

So bless the memories within your heart.

I won’t be far away, for life goes on

and if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you can’t see me or touch me, I’ll be near

and if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear

All of my love around you soft and clear

And then, when you must come this way alone,

I’ll greet you with a smile and say,

“Welcome Home”