Jack Layton, R.I.P.

Over the past week, Canada has witnessed an outpouring of love and admiration for Jack Layton, Member of Parliament, who died of cancer on August 22. Layton was the dynamic leader of the New Democratic Party, who had claimed 103 seats in the House of Commons, making him "Leader of the Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition."
He was the proverbial 'life of the party,' both politically and in reality: an out-going man dubbed the 'Energizer bunny,' who lived life to the fullest while forging lasting friendships across all levels of Canadian society. For example, he injected new verve into a party that was adrift -- trying to define, let alone solidify its place in the national landscape. He gathered members together, individually or in small groups, who crafted a strong party policy, and who won those 103 seats -- the most ever by a 'socialist' party, 59 in Quebec alone.
On the social level, he has performed his own satiric songs at the annual Ottawa Press Club party, accompanying himself on the guitar.
His strong reputation among the less-affluent was somewhat surprising. He had come from a wealthy family in predominantly English Hudson, Quebec, had earned a Ph.D. at McGill, and seemed groomed for a life of directorships.
However, he began working in Toronto municipal politics, for environmental causes, which led to his election to City Council. He was popular with many groups of the cultural mosaic in that city, and across Canada as head of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. He was selected / elected leader of the N-D-P in 2003, without a seat in the Commons, but was later elected as Member of Parliament around the turn of century, joining his wife, Olivia Choy. He continued working to rejuvenate the party.
In 2010, he had to turn his main attention to beating prostate cancer, and his hugely successful 2011 campaign saw him use a cane after suffering a fractured hip. In July, he announced that he was taking a temporary leave to fight 'a new cancer.' While his appearance had reflected rapid deterioration in his health, his death shocked many.
On the eve of his death, he composed a letter to Canadians which thanked those who had wished his well. The letter ended with this wish:
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.
He was given a state funeral yesterday in Toronto.
Thousands of Canadians have spoken / written eloquently to eulogize Layton.
Check out this excellent CBC News essay on his legacy.