Former Toronto mayor Mel Lastman remembered in private funeral
Posted December 13, 2021 5:33 am.
Last Updated December 13, 2021 10:49 am.
Former Toronto mayor Mel Lastman has been laid to rest in the city he championed all his life.
The 88-year-old died on Saturday. Dozens were in attendance at the private funeral held at the Benjamin’s Park Memorial Chapel in North York.
The chapel was filled with friends, family and former colleagues including current Toronto mayor John Tory. Eulogies were given by his sons and grandchildren.
“It would be impossible for me to stand here and describe many ways he has touched millions of others. I think we all know his contributions will be a lasting legacy for years to come.” Blayne Lastman remarked in his emotional eulogy.
“My father stopped living on January 1st. He was physically healthy, but his mental faculties began to deteriorate almost immediately and progressed with alarming speed … I only know my dads love for my mom was so strong, so powerful that he could not bare the thought of living one single moment without her.” said Lastman’s son Dale through the phone who was unable to be at the funeral as he was in self-isolation after attending an event honouring the Giants of Africa.
Marilyn Lastman passed away January 1, 2020 after battling an illness in hospital.
Lastman made headlines throughout his career for a series of gaffes and scandals, pleading with the Spice Girls to stay together and suggesting he was concerned about a diplomatic trip to Kenya because of his fear of snakes.
As beloved as he was brash, Lastman served as mayor of North York for 25 years before the suburb was amalgamated into Toronto.
He then spent six years at the megacity’s helm — winning re-election in 2000 with 80 per cent of the vote — before retiring in 2003.
Current Toronto Mayor John Tory and Premier Doug Ford were among those who offered condolences upon Lastman’s death.
With files from the Canadian Press
Flags at City Hall are flying at half-mast to recognize the passing of Mel Lastman, former Mayor of Toronto. pic.twitter.com/msFnTJYkxw
— John Tory (@JohnTory) December 13, 2021
