Obituary of Edmond Odette

Edmond George Odette C.M., LL.D. January 1, 1926 - November 17, 2012 It is with great sadness the family of Edmond Odette announce his passing at home on Saturday, November 17, 2012 at the age of 86. Edmond is predeceased by his loving wife of 56 years, Gloria, his brother Louis (Bud) Odette, his sisters Betty Forristal and Shirley Currie, his daughter Mary, and grandchildren Bryan Odette and Emma Federer. He is deeply missed by his children Ed Jr. (Lisa Davies), Anne (Kevin Kaye), Andrea (Andrew Federer), Curtis (Karin Jensen) and grandchildren Eddie, Neil, Alexandra, Dawn Marie, Jennifer Odette, Michael, Stephen, Andrew Kaye, Jack, Henry, Mimi Federer and Evan Jensen. He will also be sadly missed by Maria Mesquita and Diane Grundy. Edmond graduated from St. Michael's College in 1944 and the University of Toronto in 1948 (Bachelor of Applied Science). In 1951 he founded Eastern Construction Limited. Together with his brother Louis (Bud) they guided an outstanding group of professionals for over 50 years. Eastern Construction continues to have an unsurpassed reputation throughout the industry that stands for integrity, professionalism, quality and safety. Roy Thomson Hall, the Toronto Convention Centre and the CBC Broadcasting Centre in Toronto are three of the many landmark projects Eastern Construction completed across Canada. Together with his wife Gloria, he set an example when it came to giving back to the community with generous support of all kinds to causes including The Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, The Odette Business School at The University of Windsor, St. Michael's Hospital, St. Michael's College School, The Art Gallery of Ontario, The Art Gallery of Windsor, Wellspring Centre, and The Odette Library and Park in his hometown of Tilbury. Edmond was a kind and generous man known as a respected community leader and quiet benefactor to education, the arts, and healthcare. He was awarded the Order of Canada in 2000 and the Order of St. Michael in 1997. He received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Assumption University in 1970 and an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Windsor in 1994. He found great pleasure in spending time with his children and grandchildren. Always wanting to know what everyone was doing and constantly reinforcing the importance of education and giving back to the community. He enjoyed all sports, especially golf (Past President of Rosedale Golf Club, Toronto and Essex Golf Club, Windsor). A very special thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at the Odette Cancer Centre and Sunnybrook Hospital. Our family would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Barry McLellan, Dr. Andy Smith, Dr. Robert Maggisano, Dr. Brian Gilbert, Dr. Andrew Dueck, Dr. Kevin Imrie, Dr. K. Sivjee, Dr. Yee Ung, Dr. Parneet Cheema and Marilyn Robertson Horton, R.N. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES CHAPEL LIMITED, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 21. A Funeral Mass will be held in ST. BONAVENTURE CHURCH, 1300 Leslie Street, Toronto on Thursday, November 22 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Edmond, may be made to the Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Foundation, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto M4N 3M5 (www.sunnybrook.ca/foundation). Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.