A "fine Canadian" and "a hero like Nelson Mandela." These are the ways some local residents are describing New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton in the days following his death from cancer on Monday.
Shortly after news of his passing broke, constituency staff at New Westminster MLA and former MP Dawn Black's office put out a book of condolences for locals who were already dropping in to sign.
Jim Pearson, vice-president of the Carpenters' Union Local 1928, dropped in Wednesday to leave his note in the book, which will soon be sent to Layton's partner and fellow MP, Olivia Chow.
"I just wanted to thank him for all he's done. Jack worked, and worked hard, for the working men and women. It's just a need to say thank you," he said. "Jack will be missed. Unions have traditionally been NDPers, but Jack was special."
Some who signed the book also felt the need to thank Layton.
"'Thanks' does not say enough. It was a pleasure and privilege to know and work with you," wrote one resident.
Others left messages of hope.
"May the changes you sought come to pass," wrote D. Maidman.
Others still sought to comfort other fans of Layton.
"Jack will always be with us," wrote Susan MacPhee.
Rick Carswell and Alison Kirkley, owners of Kirkley-Carswell Art Furniture, came in to leave a note for a man whose career they helped boost.
The two helped run the local NDP riding association in 2003 when Layton made his first trip to the West to gain support in his bid for leadership of the party.
"Jack was in Metro Van, and he wanted a stop in New Westminster, so he came to our house. We had a party, and that's when we
introduced him and hosted him, when he was running for the nomination, which he was successful in, of course," Carswell said.
Kirkley said they decided to throw their support behind Layton the moment they got to see his character.
"You could just tell. He kind of lit up a room when he came in," she said. "It's as if he knows you, and you know him. You get this warmth from him. He was a smart guy - amazing."
Recalling how the evening they met ended, Carswell had to laugh.
"I spilled wine all down the front of his shirt," he said.
"He took it just fine," Kirkley added with a smile.
Constituency assistant Stuart Alcock said some of the people who have come in had never even voted for the NDP while Layton ran the party, but the feeling of loss seems to be transcending party lines.
"I don't think any of us really anticipated the extent of the reaction. Clearly there are people who may not be supporters of the NDP, but their reaction has something to do with their perception of Jack Layton," he said. "He had that incredible ease with people. He was immediately warm and personable - he connected. Many politicians don't have it."
By press time Thursday, about 39 people had left condolence messages. The book will remain at Black's Sixth Street office until Friday, Sept. 2.
