Renowned Canadian men's fashion figure Harry Rosen is captured in a photograph against the backdrop of his Bloor Street store on Wednesday, October 19, 2016, in Toronto. The image was taken by Christopher Katsarov for The Canadian Press.
Harry Rosen, the visionary founder of one of Canada's prominent menswear retail chains, passed away on December 24 at the age of 92, as confirmed by his eldest son. Larry Rosen, chairman and CEO of Harry Rosen Inc., announced the sad news on December 25, expressing the heavy heart of the family and highlighting Harry Rosen's contagious passion for menswear and fashion, coupled with unparalleled teaching and inspiring abilities.
Established in Toronto in 1954, the Harry Rosen retail chain evolved from a single made-to-measure store into a leading destination for high-end menswear, boasting 15 locations and five outlet stores across Canada. Larry Rosen reflected on Harry's entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing his humble beginnings with a $500 loan and a dream, gradually building the business one client at a time. The company's growth, spanning nearly 70 years, was attributed to the team Harry built and the enduring values he instilled.
Born and raised in Toronto to a Jewish family, Harry Rosen's early experiences in a clothing factory and a men's haberdashery shop laid the foundation for his later success. In collaboration with his younger brother Lou, he opened his first store at the age of 22, subsequently expanding across Toronto and, later, Canada in the 1980s.
After an impressive 51-year involvement in the day-to-day operations, Harry Rosen stepped back in 2005, assuming the role of executive chairman and offering guidance to his son and senior management. Speaking to CTV News Channel, friend and fashion journalist Jeanne Beker described Rosen as "elegance personified," emphasizing his kindness, generosity, and exceptional care for customers.
Apart from his contributions to the fashion industry, Harry Rosen was known for his philanthropy, supporting organizations like the Canadian Cancer Society, United Way, United Jewish Appeal, and the Canadian Special Olympics. Recognizing his broader impact, he was honored as a member of the Order of Canada in 2004.
Survived by his wife Evelyn of 68 years, four children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, the family has suggested making donations in Rosen's memory to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and the Baycrest Foundation for geriatric medicine.
While the family has not disclosed the cause of death, TVO journalist Steve Paikin mentioned in a tweet that Harry Rosen was "suffering from the advanced stages of Alzheimer's." Paikin recognized Rosen as one of the country's most successful and prolific men's clothing retailers, describing him as a legend in retail circles. The funeral is scheduled to take place in Toronto on December 28, marking the conclusion of a remarkable chapter in the legacy of a Canadian retail icon.
