Tõnu Altosaar 1943 – 2026, OAA Life Member

Tõnu Altosaar passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in Toronto, Ontario at the age of 82.

Born in Tallinn, Estonia in 1943, Tõnu grew up in St. Catherine’s, Ontario, graduating from the University of Toronto School of Architecture in 1967. 

Tõnu joined Bregman+Hamann Architects, becoming a partner in 1975. In his career with B+H, he worked with leading developers on major multi-use projects across Canada including successful collaboration with other Canadian and international architectural practices. Tõnu maintained a specialty in Interior Design, was a founding partner of B+H Interior Design Inc. and served as a member of the RAIC Interiors Committee. 

Tõnu was active in his community, serving on the Board of Directors of Providence Healthcare and as a member of the Houses of Providence Task Force. He participated in a number of television programs concerning architecture and the profession. He was a member of the executive of the Estonia Businessmen’s Club in Canada and was Chairman of Estonian Architects in Canada. 

Tõnu played a noteworthy and significant role in the successful marketing and export of Canadian architectural expertise overseas, to Europe and the Far East, including major developments in Poland, Jakarta, Estonia, St. Petersburg and Shanghai. He aided in the development of professional skills and business competency in the practice of architecture in former Iron Curtain countries through his involvement as member of the International Economic Board to the Prime Minister of The Estonian Republic, as a Director of the Baltic Business Council and as member of the Advisory Council of the East/West Enterprise Exchange for the Schulich School of Business at York University. 

Tõnu Altosaar enhanced the stature of Canadian architects and played a leadership role in extending their capabilities and expertise worldwide.