Amber Gero
Toronto icon and philanthropist Ed Mirvish passed away Wednesday at the age of 92.
"Mr. Mirvish did pass away this morning at around 1:30a.m. at St. Mike's Hospital," said long time friend Russell Lazar.
Mirvish, who would have turned 93 July 24th, is best known for his landmark discount store Honest Ed's.
Mirvish also founded Mirvish Productions, and was a staple in the theatre and entertainment districts in Toronto.
Mayor David Miller told CFRB's Dave Trafford that Mirvish will be missed.
"My memories of Honest Ed are all terrific," Mayor Miller said on Toronto at Noon. "He was inspiring. He was funny. He was a character. He was a brilliant businessman. He supported the arts probably like no one else in the history of this city. And most of all, he never forgot where he came from."
A funeral service for Edwin Mirvish will take place at Beth Tzedec Synagogue located at 1700 Bathurst Street, south of Eglinton Avenue, on Friday, July 13, 2007 at 11:00 a.m.
A strictly private family Shiva will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ed Mirvish Educational Memorial Fund c/o The Benjamin Foundation, in support of up and coming entrepreneurs. Donations can be mailed to 3429 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON, M6A 2C3, phone: 416-780-0324.
There are three ways members of the public may leave messages of condolence for Edwin Mirvish:
Online at http://www.mirvish.com/edwin/edmirvish.html By calling 416.351.1229 ext. 422 In the lobby at the Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King Street West, where a Book of Condolences may be signed daily from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
Statement from the City
July 11, 2007
Mayor David Miller comments on passing of "Honest" Ed Mirvish
"It is a truly sad day in the city of Toronto. Today we mourn the loss of Mr. Toronto, Ed Mirvish; a man who can only be described as a local hero.
"For decades, Ed devoted his life to helping Torontonians and to making Toronto the great city it is. Whether it was his iconic landmark retail store that was responsible for breathing new life into the Bloor and Bathurst neighbourhood or his commitment to the performing arts, Ed's passion for his city was second to none.
"One of the things that made him so special and so endearing is that despite being a successful and savvy businessman, his motives were always about more than the bottom line. His philosophy was to keep prices reasonable so everyone could afford to shop at his store. And he always gave back to the community through his turkey giveaway and his annual birthday block party.
"His foresight also gave birth to the Entertainment District and helped revitalize the city's live theatre industry bringing with it thousands of jobs and busloads of tourists flocking to see the latest great production.
"The lights may have dimmed on Ed's life, but his spirit and legacy have been indelibly burned into the fabric of Toronto.
"On behalf of all Torontonians, I extend greatest condolences to Ed's family and friends as well as all those who ever had the privilege of knowing him or who were touched by his generosity.
"He will be missed but never, ever forgotten."
In honour of Ed Mirvish, the City of Toronto will lower the flags to half mast at City Hall and the civic centres on Thursday, July 12.
Ed Mirvish in 2006. 
Noted Toronto resident and Canadian merchant and theatre owner Ed Mirvish has died. On July 11, 2007, the Mirvish family released a statement confirming his passing earlier that morning at St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto. "Honest Ed", as he was known, was two weeks away from reaching his 93rd birthday.

"Mr. Mirvish did pass away this morning at around 1:30a.m. at St. Mike's Hospital," said his friend Russell Lazar.

The mayor of Toronto, David Miller, told ''CBC News'' that, "His store was about making sure that everyone could afford to live with some dignity and decency. His theatres were about bringing some joy and passion into people's lives."

Mirvish was known for his landmark discount store, Honest Ed's, and as a patron of the arts who helped revitalize the theatre scene in Toronto.