Jack

Canada mourns the death of a man who during his life touched the imagination of everyone because he gave a glimmer of hope that politicians could be true to their words. Jack as he was known to the public for his life style and convictions walked the walk. My oldest daughter told me years ago when she was a student at Ryerson that there was a professor who rode to work every day on his bicycle. She said he was a green activist and was a person who wanted to make a difference in the way politics worked.

He acted the same in public life as he did in private and became beloved by the people who connected with him. His love for Toronto was shown when he was elected to city council and gave straight solutions for the problems facing Canada's largest city. He spoke his mind often but without anger or malice and sought compromise to bring people together.

He lived in an area of Toronto which had a very diverse ethnic matrix and loved to walk the streets of his district and talk to the people who gravitated to his personal touch and friendly demeanor. He became the face of the common people and carried the torch for those people who lacked a voice and championed ideas and causes that were important to those who cared about the quality of life in the big city.

There are words spoken now about this man who passed away so quickly after he became the beacon of hope for his political party and a shinning example of how to conduct yourself  in public life. Hours before his death he met with his close staff and wrote a letter to the people to express his wish for the future of Canada. He will be remembered for his achievements but his greatest legacy will be the manner in which he achieved these goals. Jack was a person whose life might  influence  people who wish to make their mark in public life and to do so with grace and conviction. Jack Layton was a reminder that there are good people out there who really care about their fellow man and Canada and were prepared to do something about it.