RIP Alex Tilley.

When I was about 12, on my family's annual late-winter trip to the Toronto Sportsmens (as it was called then) Show, I came across this man in a pop-up tent in one of the arenas, selling these canvas hats. At the time, I think they cost around $20 though I can't remember for certain. But it was little enough that I could buy one with the "camping season money" I'd saved from my allowance.

The original Tilley Hat is autographed, has my name and childhood phone number written in it, and those are still legible despite multiple washings and re-treatings. My daughter has been wearing it recently, as it's a half-size too small for me and there have been several more generations of Tilley in my summer outdoor wardrobe.

RIP Mr. Tilley, thanks for the shade.