Albert Edward SAFARIAN

Professor Albert Edward 'Ed' Safarian


With sadness, we announce that Ed passed away surrounded by family on January 29, 2016, at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto in his 92nd year. He was born in Hamilton, Ontario in 1924 to Israel and Yerchanig (Annie) Safarian. Predeceased by his cherished wife of 66 years, Joan and his son, Mark; he is survived by David (Kim), Laura (Cam) and Paul (Jay). A proud and loving grandfather of Nigel, Patience, Beth, Kate, Sami and Mason; remembered lovingly by his sister, Leola and sister-in-law, Mary and their families. Nephew Bob Adourian, who has done so much to help Ed and his family over the years, along with his family, also fondly remembers him. A.E. Safarian was Professor Emeritus of Business Economics at the Rotman School of Business, University of Toronto. Prior to 1989 he was Professor of Economics at that University and from 1971-76, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. From 1955-66 he was an Associate Professor, then Professor and Department Head at the University of Saskatchewan. He was a Statistician at the Dominion Bureau of Statistics, Ottawa from 1950-55. He received a B.A. in Political Economy, University of Toronto and the undergraduate Gold Medal, followed by a PhD in Economics, University of California, Berkeley. He was a distinguished teacher and mentor. He published prolifically and was honoured with many awards during his academic career, including as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, President of the Canadian Economics Association and as a member of the Order of Canada, 2005. Ed loved to view, consider and understand the world we live in, both in his academic role and as a social and political observer. He gained a love of art, music and textiles from his family and friends and a love of the outdoors and fishing from his wife's family. He loved to travel with his family, especially to Armenia and France. A memorial will be held at the Mount Pleasant Visitation Centre, Saturday, March 5, 2016, at 11:00 a.m., with a visitation to be held the afternoon before from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.