Dear Friends: A Thank You from Olivia

Open Letter from Olivia Chow on the Loss of  Our Friend and Leader Jack Layton

August 22, 2011

TORONTO

Dear Friends,

I have drawn great comfort and strength in these past days from your support, your memories, your tears and your smiles. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Our wonderful community here in Trinity-Spadina was Jack’s favourite place – living in the home he loved, in the neighbourhood he loved, and in the heart of the city he loved. It was here that he spent his last days – there was nowhere else in the world he wanted to be.

So many of you have told me about the unique quality you responded to most in Jack, as a friend, neighbour, activist, representative and leader – besides his smile and his warmth. And that was his ability to bring people together, to work on our common goals and make our community and our world a better place.

On the day of the funeral, here in the heart of Toronto, I said let us look forward at what we can accomplish together to make sure Jack’s voice is not silenced. With your help, we will keep Jack’s voice alive. I know I am not alone in treasuring and seeking to honour his parting message. “Let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.”

With deepest gratitude,

Olivia

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