This is what it looks like when a city mourns.
At Roy Thomson Hall, inside and out, attendees of NDP great Jack Layton’s state funeral were either openly crying or holding back tears.
Of the many memorable moments, here are a few quotes from the service.
“He said, ‘You can wait forever for perfect conditions, or you can make the best of what you got now.’ That’s what he did everyday of his life.” – City councilor and son Mike Layton remembering a sailing trip with his father, when they were stranded in the middle of the lake.
“Be loving be hopeful be optimistic, together we can build the world of our dreams.” – Reverend Brent Hawkes remembers somethings Layton said to him before dying.
“I’ve a had a great and blessed life but its far from perfection.” – Hawkes conveying the need to rebuild bridges in relationships, to say sorry while you can.
Jack Layton’s final letter was “at its heart a manifesto for social democracy.” – Stephen Lewis, to generous applause.
“You can clap. Jack would want you to clap.” – Lorraine Segato of the Parachute Club on stage singing Rise Up.
“Another world is not only possible, she is on her way.” Lewis delivers a stunning eulogy, quoting Arundhati Roy.
“If the Olympics can make us prouder Canadian’s mabye Jack’s life can make us better Canadians.” – Hawkes.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Hawkes speaking to Layton on his spirituality.
“We must look forward to see what we can all accomplish together.” – Olivia Chow said this to Stephen Lewis hours after Layton died.
“May we rise to the occasion. The torch has now been passed. The job of making the world a better place is now up to us.” – Hawkes ending his eulogy.
“Dream no little dreams. Thank you Jack.” – National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Shawn Atleo.
See a photo gallery of the day and read a full recap of the service.
