Yukoners will remember Jack Layton as a man rooted in his social democratic values.

Layton, 61, passed away early this morning in his Toronto home after battling an unspecified type of cancer. He was the leader of the NDP, Canada's official Opposition, but stepped down from his position in late July to focus on his cancer treatment. He had hoped to return to the House of Commons next month.

Former Yukon Liberal MP Larry Bagnell told the Star this morning that he is deeply shocked and saddened by the NDP leader's death.

Bagnell had known Layton for about 15 years, since the then-Yukon MP had previously worked for the Association of Yukon Communities and Layton was president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).

"He was a great fighter,” said Bagnell. "I sent him an e-mail after his last press conference saying that his fight under these dire circumstances was an inspiration to all Canadians.”

Bagnell remembers seeing Layton on his bike every morning, cycling to his office on Parliament Hill.

"Even though everything is rush, rush, rush, Jack reminded us to take the time to ride a bicycle and spend time with our families,” he said.

Bagnell called Layton a "classic man” and a big loss to leadership in Canada. One of the things he will remember about Layton, he continued, is how, as a third party leader, he used his pragmatism and willingness to compromise in a way that achieved solid progress.

"In his last press conference,” continued Bagnell, "even though he was going through such a difficult time, he was still pushing for families. He was still fighting for the needs of Canadian families.”

As for what he thinks will happen to the federal New Democrats, Bagnell isn't yet ready to answer.

"This is not a day to talk about politics,” he said. "We need to remember the man himself.”

Audrey McLaughlin has known Layton for the past 40 years. McLaughlin, a former Yukon MP and federal party leader, said she will best remember Layton for his cane and his "absolute upbeat enthusiasm.”

Layton was working for the FCM when McLaughlin was an MP in Ottawa from 1987 to 1997, and remembers being impressed with his social democratic message. He believed everyone should participate in society and in equality amongst all Canadians, she said.

"And he was an internationalist and promoted peace all over the world,” said McLaughlin. "I think his values permeated all of us social democrats.”

McLaughlin lived in Toronto during the time Layton was a city councillor there.

"It was interesting, all his work as a councillor. His work federally was just a continuation of his municipal work.”

What he believed, said McLaughlin, never changed.

"He never swayed from his basic values.”

McLaughlin called Layton an extremely hard worker, so much that he "completely exhausted himself.

" I think people saw that, as well.” she said. "He didn't change his principles and values. He worked hard because he believed in them, not just to get elected.”

Yukon MP Ryan Leef, agrees.

Although he had only spoken to Layton a few times in Ottawa, he said this morning, he knew the late NDP party leader as someone who believed 100 per cent in his cause.

"There is no doubt, Jack believed,” said Leef. "In this line of work, you have to be absolutely passionate. It's tiring, and you always face criticism.”

Leef said it's unfortunate that the best words spoken about a person are in light of death.

The few times Leef did chat with Layton, though, the pair talked about the Yukon's natural environment.

Layton told Leef about his time spent rafting on the Alsek River. He remembered watching grizzly bears on the shore and feeling moved by the wide open spaces the territory is known for. Layton also spoke fondly of Yukon residents, and their hospitality they showed him during his visits.

Leef called Layton an open man who encouraged young politicians.

"Sometimes business going in the house just seems like one party are shouting at another party, but that's really a small part of what's really going on,” he said. "The bigger picture is when politicians talk fondly of their riding, and provide support for one another.”

As for how he believes Layton rose to be such a strong force in the world of social democrats, Leef believes his success was an inevitability: If you believe firmly in what you're doing, he said, you can't help but succeed.

Yukon NDP Leader Liz Hanson was up early this morning saying goodbye to a relative when she heard the news.

"I was very saddened, like everyone across the country is right now,” she told the Star. "You hope against hope that what you see on TV (Layton's last press conference) isn't true.”

Hanson didn't know the late politician on a personal level, but more as a public figure. She does know Layton always made sure his caucus represented northern values.

Hanson said from a young age, Layton had a strong sense of social justice. He wrote his PhD on free trade agreements and was a professor at Toronto's Ryerson University. He even published a book on homelessness.

"I think a lot of people don't understand the full depth of what Jack was working on in terms of public policy,” said Hanson.

She believes she, and all other social democrats, must now pick up on what Layton was engaged in with his "whole heart and soul.

"I know I will,” she said.

Layton wrote a letter to Canadians and gave it to his wife, Olivia, just two days before passing away.

The letter, which appears on p. 6 of today's Star, is being published by media across the country and going viral on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.

"There are great challenges before you, from the overwhelming nature of climate change to the unfairness of an economy that excludes so many from our collective wealth, and the changes necessary to build a more inclusive and generous Canada,” Layton wrote to young Canadians. "I believe in you.”

Hanson read the letter earlier this morning. She said it was a powerful moment for her.

Even here in the Yukon, she said, young people are becoming more engaged and politically charged.

"Jack's words about hope and optimism, and the whole notion the change is possible, are sure to resonate with Canadians,” said Hanson.

By Nadine Sander-Green

Star Reporter