A polarizing, larger-than-life figure
Put aside all his demons, our personal opinions of him, and opposing political stripes, Rob Ford was also a father and a husband whom a few looked up to. His bombastic and irreverent demeanour was just a front. He knew, as well as we all did, he was as human as the rest of us with many flaws.
He understood the power of the word of mouth, especially among the disadvantaged. He was known for personally returning constituents’ phone calls.
His relentless focus on individual contacts, however, took too much attention away from tackling more pressing issues in a city with millions of residents, such as transit, housing and environment. Time management was not his strong suit, being regularly late for important meetings and events.
Ford’s failings and indiscretions certainly left in the annals of municipal politics indelible marks, more like stains.
Well, at least he got us talking. Rest in peace, Rob. Simon Wong, Mississauga My sympathies to the Ford family for losing Rob at such a young age to a terrible cancer. But I must be living on a different planet.
When you evaluate his disgraceful performance as mayor of Toronto, how is it even remotely possible to accord to him a great honour at city hall? As mayor, he used illegal drugs, was drunk, demonstrated racist, misogynistic views and acted as a bully.
He made Toronto the laughingstock of the world. His actions forced city councillors to spend countless hours trying to conduct city business by circumventing his outrageous behaviour.
And this is the mayor we honour? I am totally confused. David Gladstone, Toronto Being a progressive voter, I hated Ford’s politics. Vehemently. But, paradoxically, I liked Rob Ford, as there was a lot to admire, too. I hated his right-wing principles, but admired how he stuck to them, no waffling. I hated his policies, but admired how he kept his promises.
As a cyclist, I hated his anti-cyclist rants, but admired the off-road bike paths he put in place. As a role model, I hated his personal antics, but shamefully admired the notoriety it gave Toronto, our 15 minutes of fame.
In so many ways, both figuratively and literally, Rob Ford was a larger than life figure we will sorely miss. Rest in peace my much admired friend. Dr. Romeo Bruni, Toronto There must be some merit in this precedent, a city hall display of Rob Ford’s earthly remains. But why do our politicians believe we owe such extraordinary honour to a mayor who did not really come across as beloved in his public role? Or effective, for that matter.
Should our present mayor deliver a eulogy? R.J. Goodman, Toronto Edward Keenan’s front page story on Rob Ford’s passing really was a very good summation of his public and private life and all he did for the city and his constituents while both a councillor and mayor of Toronto.
He certainly had some serious personal demons, but as a mayor he was Toronto’s most “colourful” ever and, for good or bad, he certainly put the city on the international map.
I don’t know where he got all the energy but he was always available on a very personal level for the citizens of Toronto practically 24-7.
Next to his family, Toronto and its citizens came first and foremost. Marty Fruchtman, Toronto My family first met councillor Rob Ford when our own elected representative was unresponsive to our concerns. Mr. Ford visited our home and offered his assistance — with the blessing of the city’s integrity commissioner.
Years later, mayor Ford, and his staff, continued to return our phone calls and provide support. We were, and are, truly appreciative.
In contrast, the new mayor and his staff have refused to offer any assistance — let alone return a phone call or respond to a letter — not even out of courtesy. Notwithstanding all else, the choice is simple. May he rest in peace. Jeff Green, Toronto Toronto and Rob Ford will forever be united. No one will forget his un-Canadian colourful commentary or the time he was interviewed by Jimmy Kimmel and we all cringed a bit in our seats. While it was great to have Toronto on the world stage, it wasn’t the way we had envisioned our claim to fame.
He was notorious, passionate and gregarious all in the same breath. At the end of the day he was not only a politician but a human being who made some poor judgment calls and paid dearly. He was the mayor who loved his job, this city and its people unlike any other. L. Lohonyai, Toronto He was larger than life, and the entire country can shed a tear for Rob Ford and say a prayer for his family.
Canadian politics was never dull with Rob Ford. Douglas Cornish, Ottawa Ah, Robbie, ya did a magical thing. Ya died of the cancer and turned a devil into an angel. How soon we forget. Wally Silke, Toronto Death bestows dignity, not amnesia. Nestor Repetski, Toronto