As if we needed any more proof that life is blatantly unfair, Jack Layton, leader of the NDP, died early this morning of cancer. He was just 61. Now this was a man who did everything right. He exercised religiously, ate very healthfully, and despite a busy schedule wasn't the sort of guy to stress out. He was pretty mellow and laid-back actually. He was a genuine person, loved and respected by people of all political persuasions. To be taken at the height of success, after leading the NDP to the role of Official Opposition and essentially annihilating the Bloc Quebecois only months ago, is just so wrong.
And so sudden. When he temporarily stepped aside as leader at the end of July to undergo cancer treatments he confidently - albeit weakly - spoke of returning for the opening of Parliament in early September. That might have been a bit optimistic; I felt maybe the beginning of 2012 would be more realistic. But somehow, though you worried, you didn't doubt him. He'd already overcome prostate cancer and campaigned right through hip replacement recovery this spring. He was a fighter and so so positive. How could he lose this skirmish? Except that he did. You sort of wonder if even a guy who kept in such good shape could succumb, what chance would an ordinary person have?
Anyway, my thoughts and prayers today are with his family and friends. All of Canada has suffered a loss and is the poorer for it. I fervently hope his successors will be able to carry on his legacy in the way it deserves. I hope they stay true to his values and ideals and continue to be a real party for the ordinary person. And I hope Jack does attend the opening of Parliament in spirit since he sadly won't be there in body.
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