Paul Rimstead

Andrew Paul Rimstad (1935 — May 26, 1987), known professionally as Paul Rimstead, was a Canadian journalist, newspaper columnist, sportswriter and broadcaster. After working for several newspapers in Ontario, he became a sports feature writer for The Canadian magazine and a columnist for the Toronto Telegram. He was among the original editorial staff of the Toronto Sun when it was established in 1971, and became one of the newspaper's best-known personalities through his Page 5 column. He also ran for Mayor of Toronto in 1972 and worked as a television and radio host.

Early life

Rimstead was born in Sudbury, Ontario, as Andrew Paul Rimstad. He was the eldest of seven children. His family moved to a farm north of Bracebridge when he was a child.

Rimstead developed an interest in journalism at an early age. At the age of 11, he produced a small local publication and reported events in the surrounding farming community, including the births of farm animals. He was later sent west to assist when the newspaper established editions in Edmonton and Calgary. His campaign focused in part on what he described as the need to protect Toronto from the crime problems experienced by larger American cities.

Rimstead was also an amateur jazz drummer and, for a time, led his own band, performing with saxophonist Jim Galloway. A 1973 review in The Globe and Mail praised his performance with Galloway.

Personal life and death

Rimstead owned racehorses and was a regular participant in Toronto's racetrack culture. One of his horses, Annabelle, competed at several tracks and was entered in the Kentucky Derby, but was injured during a workout and did not race. Annabelle was euthanized in 1981 after being kicked by another horse.

During the final period of his career, Rimstead lived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, while continuing to write for the Toronto Sun. He was admitted to hospital on May 11, 1987 and died there on May 26, aged 52. His death resulted from internal bleeding caused by complications of cirrhosis. He was survived by his wife Myrna, his daughter, four sisters and two brothers.

Legacy

Following Rimstead's death, the Toronto Sun published Rimmer, Dammit!: The Life and Times of Canadian Legend Paul Rimstead, a posthumous collection of his writing and reminiscences. The book included an introduction by newspaper co-founder J. Douglas Creighton.

The Toronto Sun Paul Rimstead Memorial Journalism Award was subsequently established at Ryerson University in his honour. It recognized a second-year journalism student who demonstrated academic excellence and financial need. The award has since been discontinued.

Publications