“The world has lost a voice of unmatched eloquence and integrity” — RIP Stephen Lewis

[Notes from a CBC article here]

Former politician, diplomat and activist Stephen Lewis has died at age 88. Lewis was a former leader of the Ontario NDP, Canadian ambassador to the United Nations and a longtime journalist and environmental activist.

The Lewis family said in a statement on Tuesday that he died peacefully in hospice care in Toronto in the early hours of the morning. “Stephen spent the last eight years of his life battling cancer with the same indomitable energy he brought to his lifelong work: the unending struggle for justice and dignity for every human life,” the statement said.

In a statement on its website, the Stephen Lewis Foundation said Lewis “touched countless people’s lives with his relentless work for social justice and human rights.”

Toronto Mayor, Olivia Chow said NDP giant Stephen Lewis remembered as someone who demanded better of all.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a statement that “Lewis moved millions with his appeals for a compassionate and just society.”

After quitting partisan politics, Lewis became a distinguished diplomat. He was appointed Canada’s ambassador to the UN by former Progressive Conservative prime minister Brian Mulroney in 1984. Lewis held the post until 1988. Lewis was later appointed special adviser on African affairs to the UN secretary general. He went on to serve as the deputy executive director of UNICEF from 1995 to 1999.

In 2001, he was appointed the UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa — a role he pursued with passion and commitment. He served in that role until 2006 and went on to found the Stephen Lewis Foundation to help people living with the virus.

I remember seeing Lewis standing beside the casket of the late Jack Layton; he used the word “vituperative” in relation to political debate. Another memorable moment was when Stephen Lewis spoke at an Anglican General Synod in 2004. He spoke of Africa, and AIDS, and most powerfully, of justice for all. The rest of that synod was a disgraceful mess. To our assembly, Lewis brought a sense of hope and confidence.

Listening to the flow of accolades now streaming makes me smile. He does not resort to political posturing. He never imposed strategies for reassurance or resistance. As a democratic socialist — as with his father and his son — he speaks from, and to the heart of us all. For instance:

“I cannot expunge from my mind the heartless indifference, the criminal neglect of the last decade.”

“How could these things would come to pass in a world which regards itself as fundamentally civilized.”

“Can someone, anyone, please explain to me our contemporary balance of values.”

Rest well great leader. We will do our best to follow in your pathways.

Visit the takenote.ca HOME page for a colourful display of hundreds of other blogs which may interest or inspire you