The shocking news came in the early hours of Monday morning, a short statement from his family outlining that Mr. Layton had "passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family".
Mr. Layton had stepped aside from his role as Leader of the Opposition, short weeks after his remarkable success in the May Federal election, announcing that he was facing a new health challenge.
That news rocked the political world in Ottawa and across Canada in June, much like today's announcement will no doubt resonate from coast to coast to coast, with both political allies and opponents alike no doubt saddened by today's announcement from Ms. Olivia Chow, his wife of twenty three years.
Mr. Layton's passing comes shortly after his greatest political triumph and a watershed moment in Canadian politics, it was largely through his larger than life personality and tenacious nature that his party the NDP, not only went on to its greatest political success in Canadian history, but in fact grasped the title of Official Opposition Party.
A victory for which all credit would rightfully be attached to the personality of Mr. Layton and his ability to interact and clearly motivate both party loyalists and voters, it was under the Layton reign that the NDP made its first ever electoral success in the Province of Quebec, an orange wave that washed across that province and obliterated the Bloc Quebecois in its wake.
His passion for the job, his vision of a Canada which while not the same as the majority, did find a resonance in many a Canadian home. And even in those homes that perhaps did not share that vision, there was unqualified respect for an honest, decent guy who seemed to garner respect from all political sides, Canadians who were willing to give him a listen and share in the give and take of Canadian political life.
His absence from that political scene will be a loss to the civility of debate and the free exchange of ideas, Parliament will be a lesser place this September without Mr. Layton's presence.
We will leave aside the political fallout from his passing for another time, today whether you were an NDP supporter, or favoured a different party, is a day of commemoration for Jack Layton, his vision of a strong NDP party with a reach across Canada was realized in May, and yet before the summer is out he has passed from our political spectrum.
His passion, political acumen and general demeanour of fairness and courage shall be missed by more than just his party and their followers, his loss is a loss for Canada as a whole, Canadians will no doubt join as one to offer condolences to the Layton family today.
A sampling of the day's political tributes and further information on Mr. Layton's passing can be found below, we shall update the listing as the day progresses.
CBC-- Jack Layton dies at 61
CBC-- Jack Layton's death prompts immediate online reaction
CBC-- Jack Layton known as a fighter
CBC-- Layton to be honoured with rare state funeral
CTV-- Jack Layton, 61, dies after struggle with cancer
CTV-- Jack Layton's lasting legacy
Globe and Mail-- Opposition Leader Jack Layton dead at 61
Globe and Mail-- Jack Layton A Life in Pictures
Globe and Mail-- Jack Layton dies at 61
Globe and Mail-- Jack Layton's death prompts immediate online reaction
Globe and Mail-- Jack Layton: The man was the message
Globe and Mail-- Jack Layton's legacy won't end here
Gobe and Mail-- Without their bon Jack, the NDP's position in Quebec is suddenly shaky
Globe and Mail-- Canada is weaker without Layton's passion, conviction and smile
Globe and Mail-- Layton to the next generation: "I want to share with you my belief in your power"
National Post-- Jack Layton dies of cancer
National Post-- Strategic Layton moved party far
National Post-- 'Change the world': Layton says in final letter
National Post-- The orange crush left behind the NDP's prairie roots
National Post-- Jack Layton's letter to Canadians
National Post-- With Layton's death, Quebec loses un bon Jack
National Post-- More than anything else, Jack Layton believed in Canada
National Post-- Layton's death turns into a thoroughly public spectacle
Toronto Star-- Jack Layton, NDP leader, dies at 61
Toronto Star-- Reaction to Jack Layton's death
Toronto Sun-- NDP Leader Jack Layton dies
Toronto Star-- Layton's plea for hope and optimism was a political and personal manifesto
Vancouver Sun-- Jack Layton's untimely death is a political tragedy
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