Jack Layton, the leader of the New Democratic Party  and Member of Parliament passed away peacefully on August 22nd, 2011 at 4:45 a.m. in his Toronto home, surrounded by family and loved ones.

In his farewell letter, crafted two days before his death, Layton had messages for others with cancer, for his party, for his caucus, for Quebecers, for young people, and for all Canadians.

A state funeral has been arranged. His body was transported from Toronto and placed in the foyer of the House of Commons so that Dignitaries & friends, Members of Parliament and of the New Democratic Party, as well as the General public were provided the opportunity to visit and pay their respects

The body of Jack Layton enters Centre Block on Parliament Hill for the last time. Photo by Marc DesRosiers/ Front Page Media

Over fourteen thousand visitors came to pay their respect, sign the book of condolences, or to leave a memento at the site of the memorial that was created shortly after the news of Mr. Layton’s death was announced to the works on Monday.

MP Olivia Chow share a moment with the casket holding her late husband, NDP Leader Jack Layton as he lies in State in the foyer of the House of Commons on Parliament Hill. Photo by Marc DesRosiers/ Front Page Media

An Honour Guard watches over the body of NDP Leader Jack Layton and he lies in State in the foyer of the House of Commons on Parliament Hill. Photo by Marc DesRosiers/ Front Page Media

After lying in state in the foyer of Parliament’s Centre Block, the body of  Jack Layton was to be taken across the Ottawa River for one last visit to his home province of Quebec.

The casket holding the body of NDP Leader Jack Layton is prepared for a return back to Toronto following two days of visitation in the foyer of the House of Commons on Parliament Hill. Photo by Marc DesRosiers/ Front Page Media

His body is to be transported back to Toronto where a state funeral will be held on Saturday.

MP Olivia Chow waves to the crowd as she departs Parliament Hill following State Funeral visitation of NDP Leader Jack Layton in the foyer of the House of Commons on Parliament Hill. Photo by Marc DesRosiers/ Front Page Media

Marc DesRosiers/ Front Page Media