Torontonians have lost a legend in their city. ‘Honest Ed’ Mirvish died early this morning, just a few weeks shy of celebrating his 93rd birthday. Here is a press release from Mirvish Productions.

The Mirvish Family regrets to announce the passing of Edwin Mirvish on July 11, 2007 in the early hours of the morning at St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto. Born July 24, 1914, he was only a few weeks away from reaching his 93rd birthday.

An entrepreneur, theatrical impresario and producer, Mr. Mirvish was known as “Honest Ed,” also the name of his world-famous discount emporium at Bloor and Bathurst in Toronto. He entered the theatrical community when he purchased and saved from demolition the stately Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto in 1963. Lavishly restoring the legendary venue, he began producing shows and soon became a major force in the theatre. He also bought and restored the Old Vic in London, England, and with his son, David Mirvish, built the award-winning Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto in 1993.

Mr. Mirvish was a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, a Member of the Order of Canada and the recipient of more than 250 awards.

Ed Mirvish truly left his mark on Toronto. He’s best known for his discount store Honest Ed’s (at the corner of Bloor and Bathurst), his charitable work (such as his legendary turkey & fruitcake giveaway each Christmas), his famous July birthday celebrations which were attended by thousands of people, and bringing profitable theatre shows such as Miss Saigon, The Lion King, Mamma Mia! to Toronto.

My condolences go out to the Mirvish family. The city has truly lost an icon, but I hope that people won’t forget his generosity, vivacity for life and economic and cultural influence towards not only Toronto, but Canada.