Yesterday, Jack Layton succumbed to his battle with cancer. This news is hitting the Canadians hard and I am no exception. After all, we are in Jack's riding and had the opportunity to vote for him personally.
Jack was the Leader of the Opposition (first time ever for the NDP).
Jack was a fighter and never gave up.
Jack was hopeful and optimistic and looking to make change in this country.
Jack was Canada's most charismatic politician. Agree with his politics or not I can't think of anything bad to say about him.
Jack's contribution to this city, province and country have been significant and a lifelong work.
Jack was 61 and a husband, father and grandfather.
A state funeral will be held on Saturday here in Toronto.
He left Canadians with this heartfelt letter and his closing words are so inspirational. I have already seen a few different versions of the posters.
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world.
All my very best,
Jack Layton
The Posters above of Jack's Words are from Stuart Thursby and high resolution printable versions can be downloaded here.
More info on his life and contributions:
-CBC
3 comments:
When I heard yesterday morning I messaged B saying "OMG! Jack Layton died!"... he was just as shocked by it. I was never really an NDP person, but with this last election I really came to respect him and even considered voting NDP.
He really was a great politician who cared about this country and it's people - and you can only respect that! He did great things for the NDP party, and I'm sad that we've lost him, I was hopeful of what he would do as leader of the opposition...
We're in his riding too which makes this all just a little extra weird. I sat on the subway this morning blinking back tears as I read through the articles about him. (Subways make me emotional in general -- couldn't tell you why, because I'm not an emotional person, but give me something sad to read surrounded by dozens of other people and watch my break down into a blubbering mess...)
I was excited to see what he could do with the party and with Canada in 4 years. I only hope someone with his passion and dedication to the country can step up to fill his shoes.
And now, I must have those prints.
it was his passion for his politics that makes the loss even greater. How many politicians these days have that?
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