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Rob Ford dies at 46

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Update: Funeral arrangements were announced this afternoon, Ford will lie in repose at Toronto City Hall Monday and Tuesday, ahead of a funeral Wednesday afternoon at St. James Cathedral.

Former Toronto Mayor, Rob Ford has passed away at the age of 46 after a battle with cancer.

His family has released a statement:

“With heavy hearts and profound sadness, the Ford family announces the passing of their beloved son, brother, husband, and father, Councillor Rob Ford earlier today at the age of 46.

Premier Kathleen Wynne released this statement:

“It was with deep sadness that I learned that former Toronto mayor Rob Ford has passed away.

As the son of the late Doug Ford Sr., a former MPP, Rob Ford grew up in a family with a strong tradition of political involvement and community service and he upheld that tradition throughout his life. In 2000, at the age of just 31, Rob Ford became a Toronto city councillor for Ward 2 Etobicoke North. He served three terms in that role before being elected as mayor of Canada’s largest city in 2010.

Grave health issues forced Rob Ford to withdraw from Toronto’s 2014 mayoral election campaign, but he demonstrated his fierce determination to continue in public service by campaigning successfully to win back his former position as Ward 2 councillor. Rob Ford earned widespread respect for his unwavering persistence in the face of serious health concerns — which he summed up in a statement released from his hospital bed during the 2014 campaign: ‘Be strong, stay positive and never, ever give up.’

On behalf of the Government of Ontario, I want to express my condolences to Rob Ford’s friends, family and colleagues. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”

Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown expressed his condolences in this statement:

“I first met Rob Ford when I was 22 and running for City Council – two young people interested in municipal politics.  We were connected through my Uncle Joe who was good friends with Rob’s dad, Doug Sr.  Rob was encouraging, kind and supportive. Rob Ford was passionate about people and public service.  I always appreciated that he was unscripted and sincere.  He responded to constituent phone calls like no other politician and vigorously defended the taxpayer.  Rob Ford redefined how municipal campaigns were run in the City of Toronto.  My heart, thoughts and prayers are with the entire Ford family during this difficult period.”

A dedicated man of the people, Councillor Ford spent his life serving the citizens of Toronto.

The family asks that you respect their privacy and join them in their grieving and their prayers.

The family will not be making any statements to the media or taking any questions.

Information will follow at a later time regarding memorial services.

Ford was diagnosed with cancer in September of 2014.