Toronto clothing store legend, Verdun Hiles, dedicated his lifetime to serving his local community. Verdun was not only a businessman, but a true gentleman and devoted family man who will be sadly missed. The Verdun Hiles store is a long-standing family-owned business in Toronto with a history spanning over seven decades. The name "Verdun" commemorates the Battle of Verdun in World War I, reflecting the patriotic spirit of his family and the era.

Starting his working life in 1955 at the age of 16, Verdun joined the family's menswear business and later expanded to include ladieswear, materials and childrenswear. Over the years, Verdun Hiles became a local retail landmark in Toronto, surviving changing fashions and economic shifts. He continued the family legacy in retail and was a prominent figure in the local area. The Verdun Hiles business represents a rare example of retail longevity, with Verdun Hiles himself, working in the same Toronto store for some 70 years. The store's success reflects Verdun and the family's dedication to serving the local community, making it a significant local institution.

A true icon in Toronto has been lost – Vale Verdun Hiles