Remembering Jack Layton

[TaraF]

It will be 1 year tomorrow since the passing of former NDP Leader, Jack Layton. No matter who you support politically, I think we could all agree that it was a loss to politics as a whole when Jack passed. I know that I admired him for many reasons and hoped he would beat the beast, but unfortunately he could not. I often wonder how things would be politically if he were still here. He was tenacious and he didn't sugar coat anything (you all can see why I liked the man I'm sure lol) Either way, a life cut too short. His open letter to Canadians just days before he died showed how unselfish he really was. I still tear up when I read his words of encouragement to those battling cancer. To try and lend comfort and give hope to those battling the same disease that is taking your life, that's amazing. I'm not posting this to start a political debate, but I would love to hear how/if Jack Layton touched the lives of anyone else here. His open letter can be found HERE for anyone that would like to read it.

[Lynn49]

A true gentleman......truly missed.

[scbpooh]

Im not big on politics in any way shape or form but Jack gave politics i new light for me. As you said, he didnt sugar coat anything, and cared about the people! The only person i ever REALLY trusted from a politicians side of things. I still tear up when i hear things about him. I just read something on FB about a memorial tomm. and teared up watching the small news clip.

RIP Jack, you are truely missed more than you will know!

[DaveP]

I disagreed with his politics but respected his devotion to his ideals and his unbelievable energy and charisma. He was a good man and 61 is far too young to die. I extend my condolences to all those whose lives he touched.

[Patty Smyth]

[glowworm2k]

Jack was a powerful force in Canadian politics; I liked the way that he could get his points across without all of the bad-mouthing that is so common in politics today. I went to his lying-in-state last year here in town and it was a very moving experience for me. At the time, I wasn't exactly sure why I was going: I had certainly voted NDP before, but wasn't a party member and had never worked on an NDP campaign. When I got to the hill, I was amazed at how everyone who had turned out was talking to one another, sharing smiles and waves, and just generally expressing the respect and kindness for others that Jack always had. That emotion and camaraderie really made an impression on me; it made me realize that even in death, Jack still continues to shape Canada's political scene.

[madchives]

there was a time when jack was a city rep here in toronto.
and he (unlike our dingbat mayor) participated in the gay pride
parade etc.

jack was the auctioneer (not sure for how many years) of an
auction held on the back lawn of 519 church street.
(i and the gf and the violinist played there --- was a while ago)

there is now the remembrance area there for people lost to hiv/aids.

so of course the remark jack said when looking out for bids,
i remember

he see's a woman wearing this tshirt and of course mentions it.

JUST DO ME.

this was when nike had the 'JUST DO IT' ad everywhere.

fill in your own words for what jack said when he noticed.

what sad day,

[Judstir]

I watched the stone being errected for Jack on CBC The National last night, and the Bronze head that his wife sculpted was so life-like it made me cry. She was and still must be a very talented artist.

[TaraF]

It's interesting to read what others have to say because there seems to be a common thread: Whether you supported the NDP, or even followed politics at all, Jack seemed to draw you into it, if only a little. I think that can be attributed to the Charisma he had.

Judstir, I had no idea that Olivia had sculpted that. Wow. That just makes his tombstone all the more touching. I believe there is a memorial in Toronto today, I'm sure many will attend.

[keeko1]

I was so sad when he passed away last year (not usually a common feeling reserved for politicians). He was also in my area of riding too.