On December 23, 2022, Ted Avison, one of the founders of our company, passed away at the age of 90. Ted was a visionary and Canadian business icon whose energy and passion transformed the commercial real estate landscape in Canada.
Honouring someone who had such an enormous impact on so many, our 2022 Impact Report is a fitting place to include this tribute to Ted.
The Avison in Avison Young, Ted was born in 1932 in Strasbourg, Saskatchewan. His journey in commercial real estate began in 1974 when he left Gulf Oil to join Knowlton Realty. After a successful run there, Ted and some of his close colleagues decided to strike out on their own, and in the Spring of 1989, Avison and Associates was born.
Through grit, determination, and a bold vision, Ted and his team created a solid foundation for the business and began opening offices in major markets across Canada. In 1996, he merged the business with Graeme Young’s organization to create Avison Young.
Ted helped build Avison Young into a multi-service, Principal-led firm, and a major player in the commercial real estate industry. He believed that a committed group of partners who trusted each other implicitly could achieve incredible feats. His vision continues to be the foundation of Avison Young today.
A generous and thoughtful individual who positively impacted the lives of many, Ted empowered those who worked with him and mentored many. His love for business is only surpassed by the love he had for his family: Mary, his wife of 64 years; their nine children; 17 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Ted helped guide many Avison Young colleagues throughout their careers – and he’s remembered for being quick to smile and for some of the best stories you’d ever hear.
We are proud to continue his legacy.
