Those of you who live in Toronto will know how much we have benefited by the life of Ed Mirvish. He did so much for this city, both in his personal generosity and his support of the arts, and he always remained down-to-earth. While he could have had a posh office in any of the theatres or in fact, anywhere he chose no matter how costly, he maintained his office at Honest Ed's and was there every day. I think it was his first love.

I grew up in the neighbourhood of Honest Ed's and Mirvish Village and went to art school in that neighbourhood when I was a little older. Like many of you, I saw the Royal Alex come to life and then the Princess of Wales. I even helped paint a moose!

He was well-loved and highly respected in this city; I've never heard anyone say a negative thing about him.

I'm glad he lived to a ripe old age and this post is my personal thank you to him.

The day Ed died was the day I moved back to The Annex after 40 years of living elsewhere (2 other countries, 6 other provinces and 4 other locations in TO). I now live and work, again, 3 blocks from Honest Ed's.

When I had my first digs in TO, a rooming house on Madison Avenue, I bought everything I needed at Honest Ed's. Ed was present in the store to give an extra discount to a starving student, green as grass and just arrived from Newfoundland. His handshake was the first of many kindnesses I recieved from Torontonians over the years and I never forgot it and have tried to "pass it on".

It is right now 15 minutes into his funeral service and I imagine many are thinking kind thoughts of this man who epitomizes Toronto at its very best.

I had my own table, so to speak, in Old Ed's Restaurant for about five years, and Ed and I chatted three or four times a week.

We had a few busienss dealings, and these were always smooth and easy.

Ed's restaurants were run by his friend Yale Simpson for many years, and Ed and Yale would eat together most days. Even into his eighties, both Ed and Yale would still take a good look at my table, and the tables of other diners, t make sure the bead basket was there, we had enoubh buttter, our water glasses were full...

BAK

I grew up in the east end, and remember how excited I was the first time I went all the way to the west end to go to Honest Ed's. I'd heard so much about it.
And I remember my first time at Old Ed's and my first time at the Royal Alex. They too, were exciting times.
If I remember correctly Hair was the first play I saw there ( I think!!).

Ed will be fondly remembered by everyone.

I was very touched to hear that the lights were dimmed on Broadway yesterday in honour of Ed.

Kodi, you saw "Hair?" We saw it about a million times. We had a close friend who was in the original Toronto cast. Ed Mirvish let them keep one of the box sections on the audience-right side of the theatre for friends, family, and whoever else wanted to drop by. I'd take my kids down to see the show every so often and sometimes they would get to go up on stage during "So Sing the Children". There was a mattress thrown across some of the seats so the kids could curl up and go to sleep when they got tired. Great memories!

How cool, Meesthare! And weren't we 'cool' then to go and see Hair!!
I remember I sat way up in the cheap seats, but was thrilled. It really was my first theatre.
( And it really wasn't that long ago , was it???)

Well this brings back memories. I haven't lived in TO since 1984. We also bought our first crockery etc from Honest Eds, lived on St George in the Annex as well.

My Great Aunt came to Toronto in the early 80sand invited us out to dinner. We arrived at the her hotel and she wanted to go to Old Ed's Restaurant. OF course, we were very young and my boyfriend (now my DH) didn't have a jacket. He grabbed a cab and zipped home toget it. Luckily we only lived in the Annex.

You would have to agree that Ed Mirvish was the antithesis of Conrad Black. RIP.