Steve Stavro

STEVE STAVRO September 27, 1926 - April 23, 2006 Founder - Knob Hill Farms Member - Order of Canada Humanitarian and Philanthropist Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather Steve Stavro, founder of Knob Hill Farms and former owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors, passed away 15 years ago in Toronto. A passionate representative of Toronto's immigrant community, Steve Stavro launched his fruit market in the east end in 1950. He opened his first food terminal in 1962 and paved the way for big box superstores everywhere, and Knob Hill Farms grew to be Canada's largest independent food retailer. As owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Raptors, Steve created Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment - MLSE - which dominates Canadian sports to this day. Steve Stavro contributed to all Toronto hospitals - particularly Michael Garron Hospital - and many charities. His generosity to organizations and individuals was legendary. Steve's charitable work continues through the foundation he established with his wife, Sally. Steve and Sally's name adorns the new YMCA on Kingston Road in east Toronto. Above all, Steve Stavro had a family that is profoundly proud of his achievements and his contributions to the City of Toronto. His boundless energy, deep love of family and friends, and his appreciation for nature's beauty and a hard day's work are qualities that will live on in our memories and those of the many who knew him. Steve, Dad, Dedo - you are dearly missed and will be remembered with great love. Always. Your wife Sally, your daughters and son-in-law, your nine grandchildren and their spouses, and your twelve great-grandchildren.