Toronto city councillor, mayor, and councillor again, Rob Ford has died at age 46 after losing a battle with cancer.
Rob Ford was a big man, literally, figuratively, politically and was equally controversial. A millionaire, he considered himself a politician for the working man
For several years as councillor, Rob Ford acted as the “people’s politician” who often railed against city spending. He was immensely liked as a councillor and known for setting aside time every week to meet with constiuents.
He later campaigned for mayor as someone who would “stop the gravy train” of politicians and public spending. Though analysts thought he wasn’t a serious contender, he won handily in 2010, shocking critics.
As mayor, he continued to stand against spending, cutting taxes, getting into bitter fights with city unions, and promoting policies, and making public statements that were in opposition to the majority on council in Canada’s biggest city. This endeared him to some, angered many others.
Always combatitive, he became even more controvsial after several public denials about “crack” drug use, but then had to finally admit using illegal drugs while in office.
He became the butt of jokes on American late night TV, and became known internationally. Whether for the right reasons, or as many would claim, the wrong reasons, everyone agrees that he gave Toronto more international attention than almost any other single event, put Toronto “on the map” internationally and was by far the best known Canadian politician.
But in spite of the city, national, and international notoriety, he refused to step down.
City hall became a circus of media crowding the halls day after day as scandal, rebuttal, and admissions of wrongdoing occurred. Other councilors and many residents were extremely embarrassed and angered calling for him step down. Because he couldn’t be legally removed from office, council later voted to strip him of almost all powers as mayor.
In spite of the controversy however, a substantial number of voters, called colloquially “Ford Nation” remained steadfast supporters, saying he was a man who stood up for “the little guy” and was a dedicated man of the people
Then in 2014, he checked into hospital with a rare form of cancer (pleomorphic liposarcoma). Operations removed tumours, but the cancer returned.
When elections came up, he announced he would not seek the seat again, and his brother Doug, another councillor, ran (and lost) in his place. Rob however ran for his old council seat and won handlly, but it soon became obvious that the fight against cancer was going to be a tough one.
Treatment after treatment was tried, but in the end, this was one battle he could not win.
Asked by a reporter last year how his time as mayor will be remembered, he paused and smiled, ‘Well, it’ll be remembered, it’ll definitely be remembered”
(statement on behalf of the Ford family)
With heavy hearts and profound sadness, the Ford family announces the passing of their beloved son, brother, husband, and father, Councillor Rob Ford earlier today at age 46.
A dedicated man of the people, Councillor Ford spent his life serving the citizens of Toronto.
Over his decade and a half in municipal politics, Ford won a devoted following for being a straight talker who championed the average taxpayer.
The family asks that you respect their privacy and join them in their grieving and their prayers.
The family will not be making any statements to the media or taking any questions.
Information will follow at a later time regarding memorial services.
additional information-sources
For reasons beyond our control, and for an undetermined period of time, our comment section is now closed. However, our social networks remain open to your contributions.