Jack Layton dead at 61

[You kip if you want to...]

I'm beyond moved.

http://beta.images.theglobeandmail.com/archive/01310/Jack_Layton_s_lett_1310744a.pdf - Jack Layton's final letter to the people of Canada

[Insula Dei]

I literally released a big 'oh sh*t' upon hearing this.

Very sad news, indeed.

[Simfan34]

Layton's last letter is indescribably touching, I have read it.

I may have disagreed vehemently with his politics, his but political acumen and personal charisma was beyond doubt. I am glad he lived to see his party rise to where it is today- it's nice, going knowing you've accomplished a major goal. Canadian politics is a lesser place without him.

I'm curious what form of cancer he contracted.

[Lief 🗽]

I'm beyond moved.

http://beta.images.theglobeandmail.com/archive/01310/Jack_Layton_s_lett_1310744a.pdf - Jack Layton's final letter to the people of Canada

Don't read that if you don't want to start crying.

I'm not even Canadian, but I don't think I've ever been as sad about someone I don't know personally dying.

[Hatman 🍁]

I cried quite a bit today. I'm going to wear my Jack Layton pin for the rest of the day.

Canada will never be the same without my leader, Jack.

[greenforest32]

Wow that is beyond terrible. He was one of my favorite politicians in the Western Hemisphere. RIP indeed.

[🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸]

Few politicians were as fun to watch, as passionate and exuding such genuine joy.  At his campaign victory he made great use of his cane as a prop. Sad to see his sickness take him.

Godspeed Jack. You will be missed.

[Хahar 🤔]

Seeing this, one can't help but think of his place in history. His star burned bright for a moment and then was extinguished, yet he was one of the most influential Canadians of our time. It's hard to believe he's gone.

[afleitch]

A very sad loss indeed

[RogueBeaver]

He will have a state funeral on Saturday.

[Hatman 🍁]

I've met Jack on 3 separate occasions. The first was the NDP Christmas party in 2006. The second was for Paul Dewar's nomination meeting in 2008 and again after the English language debate in that election at the post debate party.

[Hash]

Didn't like him much, but it's very sad and he didn't deserve to go so young. A sad loss.

[Holmes]

This ruined my day. My dad told me this morning at work. I was near tears, but I didn't cry because I was at work. Wanted to. I'll miss him so much. I regret never being able to meet him.

[Marokai Backbeat]

I'm beyond moved.

http://beta.images.theglobeandmail.com/archive/01310/Jack_Layton_s_lett_1310744a.pdf - Jack Layton's final letter to the people of Canada

Don't read that if you don't want to start crying.

Fuck, I'm not even Canadian, but I don't think I've ever been as sad about someone I don't know personally dying.

Yeah, I couldn't help but cry a bit myself. Canadian politics has lost their greatest man in quite some time, and the NDP has very big shoes to fill. I worry how they'll do without him.

RIP, FF.

[JonBidinger]

RIP to one of my favorite politicians and a great Canadian.

[Thomas D]

Sad news. I just found out as I read this. RIP.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

RIP---I might shed a few tears, he was a good man, never agreed with him, but its tragic none of the less. He was Canadas Ron Paul/Bernie Sanders type.

[Joe Republic]

RIP---I might shed a few tears, he was a good man, never agreed with him, but its tragic none of the less. He was Canadas Ron Paul/Bernie Sanders type.

No, he was the Leader of the Opposition.  That's a wee bit more influential than Paul or Sanders are in the U.S.

[Smid]

Terrible, sad news. He was so strongly committed to his beliefs and stood up for them rather than pragmatically chasing votes, and was rewarded for his strong convictions with more votes and seats than his party had ever received before. No one can doubt his commitment to Canada and Canadians, nor his genuine desire to make things better for people.

My heart goes out to his family and the many people who loved and supported him.

RIP Jack Layton.

[You kip if you want to...]

He was Canadas Ron Paul/Bernie Sanders type.

No. Just no.

[King]

RIP---I might shed a few tears, he was a good man, never agreed with him, but its tragic none of the less. He was Canadas Ron Paul/Bernie Sanders type.

No, he was the Leader of the Opposition.  That's a wee bit more influential than Paul or Sanders are in the U.S.

As a teenage libertarian, Sanchez has only a glossy understanding of the world outside of the United States, so you have to excuse him.

[Simfan34]

RIP---I might shed a few tears, he was a good man, never agreed with him, but its tragic none of the less. He was Canadas Ron Paul/Bernie Sanders type.

No, he was the Leader of the Opposition.  That's a wee bit more influential than Paul or Sanders are in the U.S.

As a teenage libertarian, Sanchez has only a glossy understanding of the world outside of the United States, so you have to excuse him.

Have mercy. Canadian politics is not the most well-known or consequential. I follow it, yes, but I'm the exception, I'd gander, among polticos.

[cinyc]

I'm curious what form of cancer he contracted.

Layton kept info about his most recent cancer private.  Rumor is that it was some sort of bone cancer.   It's publicly known that Layton fought prostate cancer a few years ago. 

RIP.

[Simfan34]

I'm curious what form of cancer he contracted.

Layton kept info about his most recent cancer private.  Rumor is that it was some sort of bone cancer.   It's publicly known that Layton fought prostate cancer a few years ago. 

RIP.

Which is why I'd like to know. Bone cancer. Goodness.

[Hatman 🍁]

While comparing Jack to Ron Paul is bizarre, his political beliefs are probably quite similar to Bernie Sanders'. But in some respects, he's Canada's Obama.