Nuttin' But Pimp

July 24, 1914 — July 11, 2007

Over the weekend I couldn't help but note the irony that former Torontonian Conrad Black was convicted of fraud on the same day that his old haunt Toronto was celebrating the life, and memory of another business mogul "Honest" Ed Mirvish. While the former will forever more be tainted no matter what the outcome of his appeals, the latter will forever be remembered as a beloved philanthropist, theatre impresario and friend to all including the poor of this city.

Here is a snippet from the Globe & Mail:

Ed Mirvish was remembered yesterday as a zealous businessman with a wicked sense of humour, a loving family man and an extraordinarily generous person who dedicated his life to giving back to his community.

Mr. Mirvish, better known as Honest Ed, was famous for unconventional promotions for his massive discount store in downtown Toronto, which continues to sell everything from socks and microwaves to religious statuettes and antiques.

Canada's theatre community remembered him as a white knight whose decision to restore the ailing Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto helped put the city on the musical theatre map -- in spite of Mr. Mirvish's claim that he knew nothing about acting.

Mr. Mirvish died Wednesday in a Toronto hospital at 92.

As hundreds of mourners solemnly filed into the Beth Tzedec synagogue yesterday, Toronto police and emergency services personnel lined the walkway, saluting as Mr. Mirvish's immediate family arrived.

Several dignitaries, including Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, former premier Bob Rae, Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Julian Fantino and NDP Leader Jack Layton, were also acknowledged by the honour guard.

Full Article Here

Something to think about.....

Rest in peace Honest Ed, you are a person that did great things for this city, and someone we should all aspire to be more like.

Cheers!
Sue
XOX