Jack Layton dead of cancer at 61

[Lo0n]

NDP Leader Jack Layton, who led Canada's Official Opposition, has died at his Toronto home at age 61 after a battle with cancer.

 

Layton died peacefully early Monday, surrounded by family and loved ones, according to a statement from his wife, Olivia Chow, and his children, Sarah and Michael Layton.

 

"We deeply regret to inform you that the Honourable Jack Layton, leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada, passed away at 4:45 am today, Monday August 22. He passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family and loved ones," the statement read.

 

Details about funeral arrangements will be forthcoming, it said.

 

Layton's death comes less than a month after he announced to the country that he was fighting a new form of cancer and was taking time off for treatment. Layton had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in late 2009 and underwent treatment for it. He continued working throughout that time and also battled a broken hip earlier this year. Layton used a cane for much of his time on the campaign trail this spring as he led the NDP to a historic victory on May 2.

 

His party claimed 103 seats, and was propelled to Official Opposition status. Layton and Chow, a fellow NDP MP from Toronto, moved into Stornoway, the residence of the Leader of the Official Opposition.

 

Source: http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/08/22/layton-obituary.html

 

RIP Jack Layton

[FiveMagic]

Its too bad, it wasn't that long ago when he announced that he had a new form of cancer.

 

RIP Mr. Layton.

[Krzys]

RIP

[JoeDirt]

Had the pleasure of meeting him once, he will be missed.

[Brennan]

RIP I thought he was a hope for canada