NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 23, 2011
CONTACTS: D. Timothy Sanderson (English) Martin Trudeau (en Français)
+1-416-323-1166 +1-514-803-5959
tsanderson@tapiola.ca trudeau_martin@yahoo.com
STATEMENT FROM SIGMA CHI RE: THE PASSING OF BROTHER (Hon.) JACK LAYTON:
TORONTO — It was with great sadness that the
Brotherhood of the Sigma Chi International Fraternity learned of the passing of
(the Honourable) John Gilbert "Jack" Layton, McGill, MCGILL 1971. Brother Layton pledged to
join Sigma Chi in August 1968 and was initiated into our Order Nov. 29, 1968 at
the Gamma Lambda Chapter of Sigma Chi at McGill University. During his time as
an active brother, not only was he a leader on campus and in the community, but
he served on Gamma Lambda’s executive as its senior most financial officer, the
Quaestor. His passing into the Chapter Eternal marks a sad day for our
Fraternity and brotherhood.
To his loving wife, Ms. Olivia Chow, MP and his children, Michael and Sarah, our brotherhood in unity sends to you our deepest expressions of sympathy. To his memory we offer our homage for his qualities of heart, mind and service to his country. As a friend, his brothers at McGill knew him to be a trusted confidant, even at a young age he was known to champion the cause for those less fortunate and for a better democracy.
As an alumni brother, we knew him not only as a man of national affairs, but we knew him as loyal and devoted servant to the high ideals of our Order. He served not only as a friend, but as a mentor to many of our younger brothers. Even in the midst of heated parliamentary debates or his busy schedules, he was known to send emails to various brothers in the Fraternity simply to check in on us or to see how a new chapter was progressing. He wanted to know if he could help a brother somehow academically, provide advice to new initiates who needed a mentor or to support our extensive philanthropic events.
Brother Layton’s friendship was enduring; his actions beyond reproach and his life an inspiration to our brotherhood. His loyalty was grounded in the faith that Sigma Chi taught men to be better citizens and that we could create a nobler civilization.
Guard Well Brother Jack Layton, All Honour to Your Name. You will be missed.
In Hoc Signo Vinces,
Dennis Santoli D. Timothy Sanderson Martin Trudeau
Grand Consul (International Chairman of the Sigma Chi Grand Praetor of the
President) The Sigma Chi Canadian Foundation St. Lawrence Province
Fraternity
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BACKGROUND ON THE SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY:
Founded in 1855, The Sigma Chi (ΣX) Fraternity is rooted in the university experience and engenders a lifelong commitment to true friendship, justice and the fulfillment of learning as part of one’s overall obligation to the world around them.
We achieve our ideals through the practice of character based values and qualities that are continuously reaffirmed in our sacred Rituals; through the observance of Sigma Chi’s Governing Laws; the principles and lessons we teach; and, by promoting citizenship and adhering to laws of our lands and empowering our leaders.
Sigma Chi has 240 undergraduate and 149 alumni chapters with more than 300,000 initiated members making it one of the largest fraternal organizations.
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Brothers wishing to offer condolences and sympathies to the family, learn more about Brother Layton and funeral services, or for brothers and friends wishing to share stories and photos of how they knew Brother Layton, are encouraged to do so via the secure Facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/groups/220191351364118/
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