A beautiful Memorial Service for Jack Layton was held on Saturday in Toronto. I saw most of it on television. (It was broadcast live, then re-broadcast later in the day.)
Family and friends were on hand, as were political rivals like Prime Minister Stephen Harper. So were thousands of ordinary people — people like you and me.
I've included some of the details of the service so you can get a sense of what happened. There are also some video and still pictures.
Though I never had the privilege of meeting him, I followed along with his life and work. He truly was a prince of a man, so dedicated was he to others.
I'll conclude with the final paragraph of his last letter, written to Canadians while on his death bed.
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.
Monday, 29 August 2011
11 comments:
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He sounds like he was a great man who will be sorely missed.
ReplyDelete® Towanda: You're absolutely right on both counts.
ReplyDeleteOh, thank you for posting this follow-up to your others about Jack Layton. I was watching the video at the link when my husband came into the room and, although sleepy and just out of bed for a pee break, he stood and watched with me. I told him I will share Jack Layton's letter to Canadians with him later this week. He mentioned how sad it is for one of greatness to leave when we have all these idiots (U.S. candidates for the Republican nomination for Pres.) we must contend with. I could not agree more.
ReplyDelete® Lydia: Thanks for sharing your story. There are very few like Jack, anywhere. And whoever follows him will have huge shoes to fill.
ReplyDeleterob-bear, this man, he must have been an angelman. i am taken back by the number of people who respect him, honor him, grieve his loss.
ReplyDeletedo you know my friend marion from british columbia, rob-hear? i think you would like visiting her at herbal connections. she is on my sidebar. she communicates with animals so i know she will understand you :^). and her heart broke when jack layton died.
♥
kj
What beautiful last words! Mr. Layton must have been one fine fellow. I would have liked to meet him.
ReplyDeleteWe will change the world.
Yes.
Although I am completely unfamiliar with Mr. Layton, I am sorry for your loss.
ReplyDelete® kj: Yes, Jack was amazing.
ReplyDeleteMarion and I have been in touch, courtesy of your sidebar. Thanks.
® Janie Girl: Jack was, indeed, a fine person.
® Craig: Thanks.
® Gregg: Sorry! I shouldn't be doing this in the wee small hours of the morning. I mangle up peoples' names.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the condolences. Canada lost a great one.
Mr. Layton sounds like a wonderful man. I love his inspirational words. Now, if we can only follow his advice, the world would be a much better place.Thanks for posting!
ReplyDelete® Sweetsue: Thanks. And you are right!
ReplyDelete