Elliot Yarmon

Yarmon Elliot. Elliot Yarmon passed away peacefully at home on August 18. He was a lovely gentlemanly person, respected and admired father, husband, friend and mentor to his family and friends. He had a wonderful inquiring mind which was active and lucid until his passing. He was widely read; had extraordinary taste in the arts and always lived in a classy manner, including living in his wonderful home which he built and where he lived to the end (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/home-and-garden/real-estate/a-friendship-built-on-a-solid-foundation/article4326084/) and his always dapper attire, with his compliment of bow ties, the tying of which was never mastered by his sons.

Born in Harlem, NYC, on July 14, 1919, Elliot earned a law degree at Columbia Law School where he met his love and wife, Charlotte. With her, he travelled the world, actively going white water rafting in Colorado; powder skiing in Alta, Utah and trips with wife and family to European ski spots; visiting Iran, Afghanistan; China in the early days and many more learning trips.

After a stint as a Captain in Ordnance during World War II, Elliot was a pioneer in the China trade and started a fledgling silk import business; but he was enticed into the real estate business, and sensing opportunity in the great country to the north, brought his young family to Montreal in 1952 and thence to Toronto in 1955, teaming up with staunch friend and partner, Joe Tankoos. A thriving real estate investment and development business ensued in Canada, the United States and even England. He was a pioneering expert in innovative techniques and is remembered still for teaching young law students the intricacies of sale-leaseback.

Elliot was passionate about volunteering, serving as one of the founding members of the North York General Hospital, and as a long time Board member of the NYGH Foundation; he also was one of the “Founding 5” board members of the Donalda Club and served as President and as a Board member for many years; Music Toronto also enjoyed his support as a Board Member as did the Ontario Club where he was not only the first Jewish member, but also served as President.

He is missed by his immediate family Mary (Clint); Jim (Nadene) and their children Joel and Lionel; Tom (Madi) and Tom’s children Anna, Matthew and Daniel (Lindsay) and Toni, mother of Anna, Matthew and Daniel and great-grandchildren, Georgia and baby Luke; and his many extended family relatives and cousins across Canada and USA.

The family wish to express sincere gratitude and heartfelt thanks to his two long time caregivers, who cared for Charlotte also, and who are like family – Gloria Enagbao and Maureen Williams. He loved them both and enjoyed their company.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Steeles Memorial Chapel (http://steelesmemorialchapel.com/)

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation the North York Hospital Foundation (.http://www.nyghfoundation.ca/)

The family will be planning a reception in his memory in the coming months.