Hundreds of family members, politicians, employees and friends gathered Friday to say goodbye to Ed Mirvish, a humble man who became legendary as a Toronto's Honest Ed.

The shopkeeper turned theatre impresario died Wednesday at age 92.

Ed Mirvish, 1914-2007, shaped Toronto's retailing and theatre landscape.
(Canadian Press)

Mirvish's wife, Anne, his son, David, and his granddaughter Rachael spoke poignantly at the funeral at Beth Tzedec Synagogue in Toronto. 

David Mirvish told those in attendance that his father's life was like one long run in the theatre, one that just kept getting extended.

He said his father didn't offer advice, he waited to be asked. Today, David said, he wished he had asked more often.

Anne, who is now in a wheelchair, spoke powerfully and with humour about her love for the man she married in 1940 at the age of 21.

Among the well-known names at the funeral were Toronto's Mayor David Miller, former city mayors Art Eggleton and Barbara Hall, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and former premier Bob Rae, as well as former lieutenant-governor Lincoln Alexander.

The casket of Ed Mirvish, the shopkeeper turned theatre impresario who died Wednesday, is carried Friday as hundreds attended his funeral.
(Jamie Strashin/CBC)

Since Mirvish's death, people from all walks of life have marvelled at his impact on the city. Many remember his generosity, including holiday turkey giveaways and birthday celebrations at the store, but it's his genuine concern for ordinary people that shines through.

Outside the synagogue McGuinty described Mirvish as a "remarkable individual who contributed so much not just to his own family and his own businesses but who always had an eye to his broader community."

Mirvish's business career began suddenly when his father died and left the 15-year-old with a store to run. It grew into the enormous Honest Ed's department store that still dominates the corner of Bloor and Bathurst streets.

Inspired by his wife, an artist and singer, Mirvish added theatres to his enterprise beginning in 1962 with the purchase of the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto's downtown. This saved the historic venue, which opened in 1907, from demolition.

In 1982, he purchased the Old Vic in London, England, acting without even visiting the building, but inspired by the many stories he had heard about the venerable stage from world-famous British actors who visited the Royal Alex. It has since been sold.

In 1993, Mirvish and son, David, added Toronto's Princess of Wales Theatre to the empire.

Mirvish was an officer of the Order of Canada and the recipient of hundreds of awards recognizing his contributions to the community. In Britain, Mirvish was awarded the distinction of commander of the Order of the British Empire.

Part of the honour guard at the funeral was another Honest Ed — a Toronto police horse named in Mirvish's honour when the city celebrated his 90th birthday.