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How would you like to remember Ed Mirvish?

Posted by Roger Cullman / August 12, 2007

4 Comments

20070812_EdMirvishDay.jpgOn Sunday the city of Toronto threw a street party in celebration of the life of "Honest" Ed Mirvish.

Bloor Street between Bathurst and Markham Streets was closed off for the celebrations in front of his retail emporium. Mayor David Miller proclaimed the day official Ed Mirvish Day in celebration of the humanitarian, retail innovator and impresario.

Perhaps it was his bargain-basement prices at Honest Ed's that enabled you to get through school on the cheap. Maybe the annual free turkey giveaway made your Christmas one year? Or did one of his theatrical productions give you your first big break? How did Ed Mirvish touch your life?

"Three generations of women in my family have clothed and fed our kids due to Ed Mirvish," says Candice Bond, who attended the day's celebrations with her four-year-old son Trevor.

Continue reading to for more stories and pictures....

20070812_EdMirvishDay2.jpgNiall Robertson and his sons Liam (4) and Adrian (9 months) stay dry on Bloor Street during Honest Ed Day celebrations in Toronto.

The day was supposed to be a Pedestrian Sunday for Mirvish Village. But judging by the well attended celebration on the street, nobody missed out.

A little rain tried to dampen the spirits, but the mood was upbeat throughout most of the afternoon. As I wondered about on Bloor Street I saw families enjoying themselves in spite of the inclement weather. Some of the kids seemed to enjoy the rain even more.

20070812_EdMirvishDay3.jpgAmong the festivities was Hawaiian Pacific Magic, a troupe of Polynesian dancers who have performed for Ed Mirvish on his birthday every year since he turned 80.

Ed Mirvish passed away about a month ago at the age of 92. How did Ed Mirvish touch your life in a positive way?


All photos by Roger Cullman.

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brokenengine / August 13, 2007 at 10:23 am
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I never met the man, never attended one of his productions, and only shopped at his store sparingly.

However, to me, he embodied the best Torontonian; the ones that loev this city for what it is, warts and all, and wants to give back and make it even better. One that doesn't care about "World Class", and knows that if you do WHATEVER you can to increase the quality of life for the city and its citizens, that will take care of itself.

He will be missed, and I hope his heirs keep this legacy in mind when taking over his assets.
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David E / August 13, 2007 at 10:24 am
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Honest Ed gave back to the city from which came his fortune. His word was all that was needed and he worked hard to earn the respect of the business community. His light-hearted nature endeared him to his customers. He worked hard his entire life and his sense of "giving back" to the community shows.

Many of us do not know of all the charitable acts he has done and he would not like that to be made public. His generosity was tempered with modesty and humility.

There are a lot of self-important people out there who would do well to study Honest Ed and learn from his life and life's work.
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David / August 13, 2007 at 10:50 am
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Not to try and tarnish a good man's legacy, but I've heard that he was not as generous as his PR lead on. I heard that it was all a facad with profit in mind and not necessarily goodwill. That even the turkeys he gave out were not on his dime as they were donated by the turkey producers. I'm doubtful that this is true, but wonder if anyone with first hand experience with the man can shed light.
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Ryan C. / August 13, 2007 at 12:41 pm
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Would you trust a used car salesman named "Honest Carl"? Fuck no.
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