Politicians continue to mourn the loss of a well respected government figure in northwestern Ontario.
John Rafferty passed away on the weekend at the age of 65 after an 18-month battle with Leukemia.
Rafferty served two terms as the MP for the riding of Thunder Bay-Rainy River.
He had also run in three previous federal elections and two provincial elections for the NDP.
Rafferty was named as the NDP candidate for Thunder Bay-Rainy River in the last election, but dropped out for health reasons.
Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says “Rafferty was dedicated to community and service, driven by empathy, and was generous with his tireless energy.”
She adds “he made the world around him a better, more hopeful place.”
“All those who knew him, including those lucky enough to have been friends and colleagues with John in our NDP family, will remember fondly and miss deeply his caring nature, his abiding love of Thunder Bay and Northern Ontario, and especially his contagious sense of humour.
Horwath ends by saying “John wanted to make life better for others-his family, his community and especially the most vulnerable among us. I hope all his loved ones find comfort now in knowing that he did that.”
Saddened to hear of the passing of John Rafferty, former NDP MP for Thunder Bay—Rainy River.
John was loved, well-respected and a true champion for his community.
On behalf of Ontario’s New Democrats, our condolences to his wife Pamela and to John’s family and loved ones.— Andrea Horwath (@AndreaHorwath) July 1, 2019
