Jack Layton passed at 4:45a Monday morning (Aug. 22, 2011) at age 61.  It was only a few weeks ago that Layton announced he was diagnosed with a 2nd form of cancer for which he was getting treatment.

This LINK is to send condolences.

I think when we saw Jack Layton hold his press conference on this matter, (July 25/11) we collectively gasped at the physical form of the man we saw walk out from behind the curtain.

Jack Layton, among many other things, always seemed the hale and hearty political battler and to see this man seemingly devastated by cancer was shocking.  Even through the spirited federal election campaign he soldiered on, cane in hand, never appearing to be the worse for the wear.

Here is the link for the biography of Jack.

Jack Layton’s political roots run deep in Canada and it is at least fitting that this man went out after one of the greatest political victories of his life.

Allies and critics alike on councils, in ridings, in Parliament would concur that politics was better when Jack Layton was around.  He will be missed.

It seems now in hindsight of the press conference that Jack Layton knew.  He would not back down from the fight, but somehow he knew that this cancer was a formidable foe.  Cancer touches so many of us directly and indirectly, that maybe we knew also.  We dared not say it, we barely dared to think that this man was sick, and just might not make it.

Today we mourn Jack Layton.  We salute you and your tireless work right up until the end.  LEAVE COMMENTS

Larry Fedoruk blogs and stories at this link.