Along with Canadians of every political stripe across the country, people on the Sunshine Coast are mourning the death of Jack Layton from cancer on Aug. 22.
The leader of the New Democrat Party made history in May's federal election when his party swept to official Opposition status.
Layton is being recognized as much for his personal charisma as his political astuteness.
West Vancouver - Sunshine Coast - Sea-to-Sky member of Parliament John Weston has fond memories of Layton.
"I liked him personally," Weston said in an interview Aug. 23.
Weston shared both his own sadness and that of his family at the news of Layton's death.
"My kids are sad they saw him in action. This is the same kind of sadness of all Canadians," Weston said.
The local Conservative MP said his best memory of Layton came shortly after the last election.
"My favourite memory was to see him rise in the House and implore the members to act with decorum. He promised [the NDP members] wouldn't heckle, Weston recalled. "This is a big loss, a big hole in Parliament."
On the evening of Lay-ton's death, about 50 sorrowful Sunshine Coast residents gathered at the Spirit Square in Sechelt to commemorate the politician.
District of Sechelt councillor and long-time NDP supporter Alice Lutes organized the vigil. In an earlier interview she shared her most vivid memories of Layton.
"I had the privilege of introducing Jack to my then 19-year-old son [now 27], and [Layton] was so intently interested in my son's hopes and dreams that it has left a lasting impression on [my son]," she recalled.
Another recollection she shared happened two elections ago.
"Two young high school students working at Clay-tons [Heritage Market] stopped me to talk about the previous night's federal debate. They commented on how awesome Jack was. I asked, 'What did you find so remarkable?' Their answer was, 'You could see his soul,'" Lutes said.
Powell River - Sunshine Coast NDP MLA Nicholas Simons was also deeply saddened by the news of Layton's passing.
In an email Simons paid tribute to Layton's skill in leading his Party.
"Jack reinforced the Party's foundation and helped elect a record number of MPs making the NDP Canada's official Opposition. When I ran [in 2004] for a federal seat in this riding, he paid a visit to Gibsons where he was warmly received. He enjoyed his visit and was hoping to come back to visit again," Simons wrote.
"Our loss will be deeply felt, but the legacy he's left us is a Party that is rejuvenated, strong and proud. While his charisma and passion will be missed, we are grateful for his dedication to making Canada a better place."
Bill Forst, vice president of the Powell River - Sun-shine Coast NDP Con-stituency Association also shared his memories in an email.
"I am so honoured to have met Jack and to have had the opportunity to run as a candidate under his leadership in 2008. One of his greatest achievements was to stimulate young people to get involved in public service, as evident in the youth of many of the new members of Parliament. Jack's spirit and energy will no doubt live on for decades to come through them and through the efforts of all of us to further social justice, environmental integrity and world peace," Forst wrote.
This Saturday, Aug. 27, the local NDP will host a public event at 1:30 p.m. at Gibsons United Church to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the NDP. While the focus will be on Gibsons Landing's James Shaver Woodsworth, the first leader of the NDP predecessor CCF Party, Forst said Layton's life would also be celebrated.
Layton, who became the NDP leader in 2003, was first elected to Parliament in 2004. In his final letter to the Canadian people, written over this past weekend, Layton reminded Canadians that, "Love is better than anger, hope is better than fear and optimism is better than despair We'll change the world."
Layton was 61; he leaves his wife and fellow MP Olivia Chow, a son and a daughter.
A state funeral service will be held on Saturday in Toronto. Canadians can also pay their respects in Ottawa and Toronto. Simons advised people can express their condolences at www.ndp.ca/jacklayton.
-With files from Allie Nichol
