Timothy Irving Frederick Findley, commonly known as Tiff or Tiffy, was a distinguished Canadian novelist and playwright.

Born on October 30, 1930, in Toronto, Ontario, Findley was one of three sons in his family. His father, Allan Gilmour Findley, was a stockbroker, and his mother was Margaret Maude Bull. Findley's paternal grandfather was the president of Massey-Harris, a prominent farm-machinery company.

Raised in Toronto's upper-class Rosedale district, he attended St. Andrew's College but left during grade 10 due to health reasons. Findley initially pursued a career in the arts, studying dance and acting. He found significant success as an actor before transitioning to writing, and was part of the original Stratford Festival company.

Findley passed away on June 20, 2002.