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Jack Layton Obituary
The New Democrat party issued a statement Monday morning, just weeks after a gaunt Layton held a news conference to announce he was fighting a second bout of cancer.
The party said Layton died peacefully at 4:45 a.m. ET (0945 GMT) today at his Toronto home, surrounded by family and loved ones.
Layton was at the height of his political career after the union-backed party took Canadians by surprise during the May federal election by winning official opposition status for the first time in its 50-year history. The party gained 103 seats, up from a previous 37, most of which were won in Quebec.
Layton announced in February that he had been battling prostate cancer. He said in July that his battle with prostate cancer was going well but recent tests showed he had a new form of cancer. He not did elaborate on what type of ca ncer was discovered.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
2323 Entries
September 24, 2015
My heartfelt condolences to the good leader Jack Layton. May God in Heaven rest his soul.
November 4, 2011
Our sincerest condolences to Olivia and family. Rest in Peace Jack. B. and A. Roach, Campbell River, B.C.
Jackie Bal
October 15, 2011
My heartfelt sympathy, what a wonderful man and political leader. I can only imagine what Canada would have been like in a few more years if cancer hadn't taken him.
How you can show support
Sean, MarjiGirl, Father Peter and Stefanie in Paradise (Barbados)!
Marjorie Craig Richardson
September 10, 2011
Dear Olivia,
The Newswires across CANADA wrote:
"The greatest success of Layton's 30-year political career — the historic NDP breakthrough in May's federal election, catapulting his party into Official Opposition —"
I believe his greatest achievement was to have left a LEGACY of Love, Commitment, Perseverence and Optimismwhich has gone on to INFECT the entire nation of CANADA-- if not--The World...
Jack could not have done any of this without the Love the Commitment the perseverence and the Optimism of his Soulmate- YOU DearSweetOlivia...
Like my SeanMiguelValeroRichardson, who too, died @ 36 yearsyoung of cancer on September 8th 2010, Jack, like SeanMiguel, joins the ranks of the Proud & True NPDHallofFamers....
Take care Olivia and TheLaytonFamily,
SeanMiguel's Beloved Widow xo
June Woo
September 7, 2011
You will be missed. RIP jack
Valerie Ann MacKenzie
September 4, 2011
My sincere sympathy to Jack's family. He was a larger than life person and how he was for the "little person."
May all the very wonderful memories that you all have, help you in the difficult days ahead.
God love and bless you and keep you always in His care.
Sincerely,
Valerie Ann MacKenzie
Donna Tynski
September 4, 2011
My deepest sympathy to Jack's family and friends. What an incredible ambassador for Canada and all she stands for. I feel so proud to be a Canadian thanks to the leadership and dedication of Jack Layton. May he rest in peace and may our Lord strengthen you all during this sad time!!!
September 3, 2011
We do miss you, Jack.
All Canadians do too.
You really made a difference.
Rest in peace forever.
Natalie Westlake
September 3, 2011
To The Layton Family
If there was one man that could make a change for the good I do believe it was Jack!He is gone but he will never be forgotten.
We ;ost a wonderful man all around
Meseret Manyahelal
September 2, 2011
MY sincere condolences to Mr. Jack Layton's family. I was lucky enough to attend Jack Layton's memorial service to pay my respect. The out pouring love and respect from all the people of Canada showed that indeed Jack was one of the finest politicians in Canada that connected and inspired the people in many ways. I just want to say Jack will never be forgotten and I sincerely would like to Thank Jack for all the positive message and hope he implanted in our hearts. R.I.P Jack.
Linda Waege
September 1, 2011
He will be in everyones memory forever. He has made his mark in Canadian History that will live on forever. My sympathies go out to the Layton Family. He already has a special spot in the heart of his granddaughter & will be there forever. She will remember.
August 31, 2011
We miss you, Jack. I hope you know what a difference you made.
christiana
August 31, 2011
I had the honor to invite Mr. Jack Layton to our Adult Day Program (The Greek Community of Toronto. During his visit we werehypnotized by his inspired words and compensation for the elders.We had tears. He spend an hour in our program and the seniors felt so appreciated by his presence. No other politician can replace the impact that Jack left in our program and to our seniors thay day. He was full of life and loved the Greek culture as well as others. As a coordinator of this program I am truly delighted to had the chance to meet him. You brought light to our program and a positive energy to a better future. May you rest in Peace my friend.My condolences to the family..
Jamie Mcdonald
August 31, 2011
Thank-you Jack
Diane & Zénon
August 31, 2011
Sending our sincere condolences to Jack Layton's family. Our prayer are for your family. May God give you peace in your heart. He was a great person. Diane & Zénon (Tracadie-Sheila, N. B.)
Maureen Lynch
August 31, 2011
Another too young, too soon!
Mary Phillips
August 31, 2011
My sympathies go out to you Olivia and your family on the passing of Jack. Although he was a great politician, I am sad that you have lost your best friend and mate. I am going through it for the last 3 years with my husband who is a palliative care patient who I look after at home. Remember cancer is a terrible disease but it can't take away your memories. You and yours are in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace Jack your suffering is over. Mary Phillips Sydney N.S.
Pam Stewart
August 30, 2011
Sincere condolences to the Layton family.
I hope that other leaders will follow in his footsteps.
Eric C. Jacobson
August 30, 2011
Simply put, Jack Layton was the first important and exemplary North American political leader of the 21st century.
Although I never had an opportunity to meet or even see him in person on my few trips to Ottawa in recent years when my wife and I visited with her family, I am very deeply saddened by his death.
As Shakespeare said,
"His life was gentle; and the elements
So mixed in him, that Nature might stand up,
And say to all the world, THIS WAS A MAN!"
Ilse & Karl-Heinz Wildrich
August 29, 2011
Sincerest condolences to the Layton family!
We - the people of Canada - will miss a man who would have made Canada a better place than it is now!
Jocelyne Meinert
August 28, 2011
Jack you were remarkable.
It shows how much the character and energy of one person can effect so much change. We all have to carry on in that spirit.
KeriAnn Mahoney
August 28, 2011
There are no words to express the depth of grief I feel about our collective and personal loss of Jack's genuineness on our political landscape. May all of us continue to celebrate his life by following his "manifesto" as Stephen Lewis describes Jacks last words to us. As do Olivia, the rest of your family and your party, I'll miss you, Jack.
Sharon
August 28, 2011
God has a plan for each of us ... unfortunately Jack's was not to continue his political NDP journey. Jack's strong message for love, hope & optimism was left with each & every one of us as Canadians ... so now the choice is ours.
My sincere sympathies to Olivia, Michael, Sarah & families.
Lauren Daugharty
August 28, 2011
Very few times can we call someone a "Great Canadian", and Mr. Jack Layton was one of them. Jack, you inspired me with your passion for this country and all it's people. My sympathy and prayers go out To Olivia and her children. Jack, you will be missed, but not forgotten
Tammy Lewis
August 28, 2011
Rest In Peace Mr. Jack Layton. You were an inspiration to all. Thank you for your dedicated service to all Canadians. God Bless.
Anne Curry
August 28, 2011
Jack Layton's message to Canadians of hope and optimism should not be forgotten, and he will not be forgotten. My sincere sympathies to Olivia and his children.
Shirley Lenz
August 28, 2011
You were a great leader a great canadian and a fine human being, we should all strive to live up to your principles, you have inspired us all. God Bless your wife,family and friends may they find solace in your legacy.
McDonald Family
August 28, 2011
Jack Layton was a wonderful man and he will be sadly missed not only by your entire family, but by our family and all other families in our great nation.
KAREN STOKES
August 28, 2011
R.I.P JACK
kara patrick
August 28, 2011
R.I.P Jack
Lecia Edwards
August 28, 2011
JUST another Canadian who Mr.Layton has touched.I didn't vote for Jack, i've never met Jack, but i've met Jack.Jack's enormous beautiful spirit was undeniable,he lived, was a fighter for what he believed in,he was an optimist,as he said 'optimism is better than despair', great advice from our beautiful jack.You have really inspired a nation, with your positivity, your warmth,your sincerity, the fighter ,don't give up on your dreams attitude ,your amazing energy and passion you had.You'll be always remembered, just because,you lived a great lived and you made positive changes,inspired the young and old.Jack, you were 'GREAT'.You won!Your genuine smile, optimism, passion, and fighter personality,i'll never forget.Rest in peace jack!
Carley Garneau
August 28, 2011
Jack,
Thank you for everything that you have done for Canada and for not giving up your fight. Jack's legacy will live on in the hearts of Canadians for generations to come. He will be deeply missed. My deepest condolences to the Layton family, may you find comfort in the support of all Canadians. This is a great loss to our country. Rest in peace Jack.
Ginnie Baker
August 28, 2011
Jack,
Your honesty and integrity are your legacy. You have made all Canadians stand up, take notice, and salute you!
God Bless you and keep you.
Baker Family, London,Ontario
Paul Migel
August 28, 2011
Jack
You've done good
M. James
August 28, 2011
Rest in Peace Mr. Layton, you were such a positive inspiration to so many and you will be sadly missed. To the Layton family - May your memories give you peace and comfort.
August 28, 2011
Jack was a great man.... a man who made me think that we could really have a good political system that would bring us what we wanted in the sixties... he was a politician that all generations of our family thought well of. miss you , jack from an ordinary woman
Rose Marie Wutke
August 28, 2011
I did not know Jack Layton and unfortunately I never had the honor of meeting him but I still find myself heartbroken over the loss of this amazing man. It did not matter whether you were a member of the NDP or not he touched everyone's life. Canada lost a great man who will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
After watching the funeral I saw and heard from the people on the street how he touched the lives of so many from all walks of life,age,race, religion,single moms,the less fortunate etc.. How generous and giving he was with his time. He was such an inspiration to so many. As Olivia said that we must continue to move forward to make Canada a better place where everyone will be treated fairly. I pray that we as Canadians will continue to live out Jack's dream so his voice is not silenced. If we do not pass on his inspiration and wisdom it would be a horrible waste and denial of Jack's wishes.
To Olivia and all of Jack's family and friends I send you my sincerest condolences. May God Bless you,comfort you, give you peace and be with you all the days of your lives. Rest in Peace Jack
~ Rose Marie Wutke, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Rose Marie Wutke
August 28, 2011
I did not know Jack Layton and unfortunately I never had the honor of meeting him but I still find myself heartbroken over the loss of this amazing man. It did not matter whether you were a member of the NDP or not he touched everyone's life. Canada lost a great man who will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
After watching the funeral I saw and heard from the people on the street how he touched the lives of so many from all walks of life,age,race, religion,single moms,the less fortunate etc.. How generous and giving he was with his time. He was such an inspiration to so many. As Olivia said that we must continue to move forward to make Canada a better place where everyone will be treated fairly. I pray that we as Canadians will continue to live out Jack's dream so his voice is not silenced. If we do not pass on his inspiration and wisdom it would be a horrible waste and denial of Jack's wishes.
To Olivia and all of Jack's family and friends I send you my sincerest condolences. May God Bless you,comfort you, give you peace and be with you all the days of your lives. Rest in Peace Jack
Zonta Club of Victoria Zonta International
August 28, 2011
Thanks, Jack Layton, for all you have done for the underprivileged, for your insight, dedication and work on behalf of those less fortunate. We are especially grateful for your courage to voice your concern about violence against women at a time when it had no political advantage for you.
Our condolences to your family.
Jo-Anne Jacobson
August 27, 2011
RIP Jack Layton you will be terribly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you Oliva and Family
Joan 'Ojnami' Smith
August 27, 2011
Mr. Jack Layton was a man of the people, a man for the people, and man of tall order by the people. Canada and the world have lost a great leader.
Best wishes to the Layton Family.
Doris
August 27, 2011
Thank you, Jack!
Tiziana Berlasty
August 27, 2011
My heart breaks to see such an honest and loving man taken away before his time. He fought the good fight both personally and on behalf of the Canadian public. His legacy will live on to inspire all people of goodwill. Thanks Jack for your contribution to our country and to this world, may God bless both you and your family.
Panagiota Bakalopoulos
August 27, 2011
Your passion for helping others was truly magnificent. Thank you for all your hard work! All the best towards Mr. Layton's family. God Bless!
Barbara Wheeler
August 27, 2011
I am deeply saddened by this news. A great man who would have made a wonderful Prime Minister.You will be greatly missed Mr Jack Layton.My condolences to your family.
Laura McGuffin
August 27, 2011
Jack Layton stood for all Canadians and will truly be missed. Thoughts to Ms.Chow and your family at this time.
Andrew Longmuir
August 27, 2011
Mr.Layton Was A Inspiration To Canada And He'll Be Sadly Missed By All!
Janice Mckenzie
August 27, 2011
A good man, an inspiration, I am sure he will be sorely missed by many people for many different reasons.
Brenda Shah
August 27, 2011
I was deeply saddened to hear of Jack Layton's passing. It is Canada's great loss and it makes no if you are NDP or not...he will be terribly missed :( !!!
Heather MacDonald
August 27, 2011
Jack Layton was a remarkable man. He touched many Canadians with his undying optimisim and his humanatarism. I know Ms.Chow as Mr. Laytons life partner you will miss him more than anyone and I am truly sorry for your loss. To Mr. Laytons children you have experienced the best a loving father can offer..his love and time. You will never forget him. Canada has lost a great Man..Thankyou for sharing him with us.May your many memories give you comfort now and in the future. God Bless
August 27, 2011
May the love of all Canadians be a comfort to Olivia and your family,Not Easy as we all have loved and lost a very
dear person that not only you loved, but
all Canadians Thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Ron Menini Vancouver B.C.
Eugene Parent
August 27, 2011
I'm deeply saddened by this news. May he continue to live in the hearts and minds of his family; through fond memories.
My condolences,
Eugene Parent
S&B Bryant
August 27, 2011
R.I.P Jack. No one will ever measure up to you, some will try, but you were special. My sympathy to the Layton family.
Helena Leonard-O'Hara
August 27, 2011
Dear Jack
thank you for the respect you showed to all canadians. You will remain in our thoughts.
Desjardins Chantal
August 27, 2011
Mes plus sincères condoléances à MME OLIVIA CHOW et la famille LAYTON.M.Jack était un battant tout comme mon père , décédé aussi du cancer.Courage à toute la famille,mes pensées sont avec vous.
Miryam Siegel
August 27, 2011
To Jack's family,
I want to tell all of you, how truly heartbroken i am with Jack's passing. Ms. Chow, you are a remarkable, strong women. To Jack's children, there are not the word's to show how sorry i am for your loss.
Your dad, was a husband, father, grandfather, son-in-law....many things to many people.
I will tell you, what his impact is on me. I am going to join the party and, become more active.
I feel like i knew Jack, although we never met. Hold onto eachother and, take life one step at a time.
We have lost a truly remarkable human being...all of you, have lost a great father, husband...
Rest well Jack...I will never forget who you are and, what you did for our country.
William (Bill) Morton
August 27, 2011
Olivia and Family,
Keep all of the loving and warm memories of your Husband,Father, and Grandfather close to your heart and he will never be far away. Jack has left a true legacy of Love and Hope for the future. We must all keep his desires and hopes alive in his memory.
You are in our Thoughts and Prayers,
Bill Morton and David Ebert
DOLLY OLA
August 27, 2011
My greatest sympathy to Jack Layton family and entire people of canada for this inrepairrable loss, JACK IS ONE OF THE BEST PRIME MINISTER CANADA NEVER HAD. HOW ARE THE MIGHTY FALLEN IN THE MIDST OF THE BATTLE, REST IN PEACE AMEN
Anne Marie Higgs
August 27, 2011
Mr.(Jack) Layton. Thank you are only words! I cannot express the heartfelt gratitude in words. My family and the families in Greater Sudbury of Vale formerly INCO will never be able to Thank You in person now. But know in our hearts that we will be forever grateful for standing by us last year while you were so ill. You never forgot us and we will never forget you! Thank you Jack for just being you! You would have made a GREAT LEADER..Canada will alway's love you!
Cindy and Greg Pancheshan
August 27, 2011
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.
Louise (Benjamin) Malek
August 27, 2011
Nancy,
My sincere condolences on the loss of your brother who, by all accounts, was a wonderful and inspirational man.
JOSEPH & GISELE SCIAMPACONE
August 27, 2011
REST IN PEACE JACK,NOW YOU ARE IN GOOD HANDS WITH THE GOOD LORD
JOSEPH & GISELE SCIAMPACONE
August 27, 2011
REST IN PEACE JACK,YOU ARE IN GOOD HANDS NOW WITH THE GOOD LORD.
August 27, 2011
My sympathy to Jack's family!
Ella Selden
Lethbridge Alberta
Guy Charron
August 27, 2011
Sincerest condolences to the Layton family. His passing is a great loss to Canada.
Tina Penney
August 27, 2011
Jack was a wonderful public figure that brought so much positive & truly wonderful work to better Canada. I thank you for all you have done for Canada and you truly will be missed.
brigitte claveau
August 27, 2011
bonjour.
je sais que vous passez par une très grande épreuve je vous envoies mes plus sincères condoléances à la suite du décès
de monsieur layton.il était un homme merveilleux même si on le connaissait pas personnellement il était un homme bon.à vous madame layton et vos enfants mais plus sincèrs sympathies.
de la part de la famille gagnon etclaveau.
bonne chance.
To the Layton/Show families.
Wendy Bishop
August 27, 2011
Wendy Bishop
August 27, 2011
Condolences to the Layton/Chow families. Jack Layton was a great Canadian. We are sorry for your loss and the loss to our great country.
Pam
August 27, 2011
To Olivia and Family my deepest condolences on the loss of your husband and father. I have lost my father to prostate cancer as well. I understand the pain you all feel.My prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Andrew Jackson
August 27, 2011
My most sincere sympathy to Olivia and family as they mourn the loss of a great husband, father, grandfather and devoted public servant.
I had the great honour of meeting Jack several times. As a proud member of the gay community I was at several events that Jack attended and was always moved by his support and commitment to our causes.
As a of member Canadian Union of Postal Workers, I was so proud of the fight that Jack led in the House of Parliment and on the streets of Canada.
Good bye Jack God Bless you and all you stood for.
JoAnne H
August 27, 2011
My sympathy to Olivia, Mike, Sarah, Beatrice, and family.
Jack was a special person who could bring Canada together. Canadians loved Jack and will miss him.
Rest In Peace Jack
Peggie Thom
August 27, 2011
Since condolences to the Layton/Chow families. Jack Layton was an honourable man, a proud Canadian, and a man of the people. He will be missed in more ways than can be counted.
Meg Harte
August 27, 2011
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Kelly James
August 27, 2011
Jack made the world a better place.He made a difference everyday.
My entire family,including my teenagers,are touched and moved by Jack.....his efforts, his love and peacefulness....simply his values.
Mr. Layton was one of a kind.
What an inspiration!
Our thoughts are with you today and always.
May this very special gentle warrior rest peacefully forever.
God Bless!
Doreen MacKinlay
August 27, 2011
RIP You did so much for Canada and would have done so much more. Thank you for your honourable contribution to Canada. Condolences to your family.
Craig & Angela Grayer
August 27, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
August 27, 2011
My deepest sympathies to the Layton Family, Jack was and will remain an inspiration to all. Definitely taken too soon however he leaves his mark!
" A Life Well Lived, A Rest Well Deserved"
F.C. Windsor, Ontario
April Sainthill
August 27, 2011
With my deepest sympathy--if anyone could do what he promised --Mr.Layton could...we lost someone very special--A.Sainthill-Cape Breton
Carol Simpson
August 27, 2011
We were so lucky to have a man in our country that cared about us the way that he did and that he was the type of man that stood up for those of us that couldn't.Thank you for being our voice and sharing yourself with Canada.
August 27, 2011
Mr Layton was a great man! Canada has lost a true Canadian. He will be sadly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
God Bless,
Stojan & Nada Ajdinovic
August 27, 2011
Our condolences to the Layton Family. Thank you Mr. Layton for all your work to build a better Canada. You are an exceptional Canadian and your legacy will never be forgotten. RIP.
judith. h harrison
August 27, 2011
dear mrs. layton i am truly sorry of the loss of your husband. I my self have suffered the same loss and i truly understand, he is gone to a better place make his soul rest in peace
Lorraine Cameron
August 27, 2011
My sincere sympathy to Jack's wife and family. Jack was the "best" politician , you could see he actually cared about Canada and the people here. I enjoyed seeing him on tv his strength and determination was so evident. I wish I could have seen him in person. He will be missed. I will be saying a toast to Jack tonight at 9 p.m. and lighting a candle. God Bless
Cheryl Drummond
August 27, 2011
My thoughts go to the Layton family, we will greatly miss him here in the north for everything he has done for us.
God bless you
L. St-Jacques
August 27, 2011
Jack, Un modèle de droiture,de courage et d'honnêteté. Tu nous manqueras!
Rebecca P
August 27, 2011
R.I.P Jack we were a great man and leader, you will be greatly missed. May God comfort your family and friends at this time. We will try hard to be a better Canada for you, may you guide and watch over us.
August 27, 2011
THANKYOU JACK FOR HELPING CANADA ;OUR CONDOLENCE TO ALL THE FAMILY. RIP/TONY & LUISA SPAGNOLI
W. Auger
August 27, 2011
DO NOT GO GENTLE INTO THAT GOODNIGHT.
Thank You Jack
Carol Wingerden
August 27, 2011
My sincerest condolences to the Jack Layton family. What a phenomenal man he was. He was a mover and a shaker, never giving up but most of all a gentleman in the political field with high moral values. What a great legacy he has left his family. Rest in peace Jack, knowing you gave it your all, with dignity and great courage.
Stan & Freya Weiler Gray
August 27, 2011
Jack;
Thank-you so very much for an heroic effort on behalf of us.
Olivia and family, Please accept our condolences may you find peace and healing in the days ahead.
Loretta Wooff
August 26, 2011
To the family of Jack Layton:
So sorry for your loss and Canada's loss..What a great leader! He will be very much missed..
Stephen Kamichik
August 26, 2011
My wife and I offer our sincere condolences to Jack Layton's family and friends. The whole country fell in love with this incredible man and we all mourn him.
In accordance with his letter I shall listen to what our NDP MP has to say and I now expect to make a full recovery from my skin cancer.
Unfortunately,there will never be another Jack Layton. I was looking forward to his being our next Prime Minister.
anonymous
August 26, 2011
truly a remarkable person....when canada post was on lock out, he went to battle for us....who knew his battle with life would end so soon.....he played a major role in politics...remembered by all.....
Anne-Marie & Vaughn Holland
August 26, 2011
Jack, you have made such an impact on our lives and you will forever be in our hearts. We will miss that smiling face. You are now at peace, my friend.
Alice Kearley
August 26, 2011
Jack you will be forever missed and never forgotten.
J.
August 26, 2011
Jack, thank you for everything.
Canada is a poorer place now that you have gone, but your dream for change will surely live on.
Let us not be sad that he died, but be happy he lived.
I shall raise a glass of Orange Crush in your memory tomorrow afternoon.
All my love to your family at this time.
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