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'It was so sudden'

Jack Layton's death from cancer came as a shock to local NDP members.
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Canadians were shocked to hear on Monday morning of the passing of Jack Layton.

The federal Leader of the Opposition and eight-year leader of the federal NDP died at his Toronto home, at the age of 61, at 4:45 a.m. Monday. On July 25, he had  announced that he was again battling cancer. His initial battle against prostate cancer was in 2010, but after treatment, it went into remission.

His passing came as a surprise to many, even though Layton clearly was very frail when he made his announcement in July. He had lost weight and his voice had a raspy quality to it.

On Saturday, he met with several of his top aides and gave them a letter to be shared with Canadians. In it, he refers to the fact that the party will have to choose a new leader. The letter can be read on The Times' website.

Layton's charm, magnetism and positive attitude endeared him to many Canadians. When he became NDP leader in 2003, the party had 13 seats. In the May 2 election, despite the fact that he was campaigning with a cane after recent hip surgery, the party gained official opposition status for the first time, winning 103 seats. This was due primarily to a breakthrough in Quebec, where the NDP won 59 seats.

That upward trend was also evident in Langley. In the May election, NDP candidate Piotr Majkowski gained 11,235 votes, more votes than the NDP has ever won in the Langley riding. This was due to both an effective local campaign and the high regard which many voters had for Layton.

"People trusted Jack more than anyone else," Majkowski said on Monday, referring to what he encountered in door-to-door campaigning in Langley in the recent election. "Everybody knew Jack and trusted Jack. People would say 'I don't vote NDP, but I like Jack.'

"Jack brought to the party commitment, determination and optimism. The party had a long history of doing the right things for the right reasons, but historically of not winning. He said 'We have to win too.' He campaigned for prime minister."

Speaking of times he met Layton when the leader campaigned in B.C., Majkowski said "There wasn't a minute that he stopped. He was deeply involved in politics. The man lived and breathed politics, but in a good way. He brought a sense of hope and optimism."

Referring to Layton's farewell letter, Majkowski said "He said 'Change is actually possible.' That is warming and comforting at this time."

Longtime Langley NDP executive member Shane Dyson said Monday that the change in Layton's health was dramatic.

"On June, he was dancing at the NDP convention in Vancouver," Dyson said. "There was no idea about this. He gave great speeches. He was in front of the stage dancing.

"It was not unexpected (after his announcement), but it was so sudden."

Langley Conservative MP Mark Warawa was saddened by Layton's death.

“I enjoyed working with Jack since 2004," Warawa said. "He was a very passionate person and a hard worker. I admired him and will miss him greatly.

“It was a pleasure to get to know him while working on environmental committee work, and to share our mutual enjoyment of cycling as we both rode our bikes to work.

“I got to know Jack and his wife Olivia quite well as her office was right across the hall from mine. I’d often leave my office at 10 p.m., and Olivia would often leave at the same time. I considered them friends.

“Jack had my respect, and I am sure all of Parliament will miss him. He leaves a big hole in his party and in Canadian politics. It’s a sad day," he said.

Layton's last words to Canadians can be viewed online