Back in the 70s when Stephen Lewis was opposition leader in the Ontario government, I was a struggling musician. I wrote him a letter about an idea I had for a Canada Council arts grant. He took the time to write me a very long and thoughtful letter in response, which I have always cherished. How many politicians do that these days?? It was a time when some politicians had a soul. I see him in you, Charlie.
I watched your YouTube eulogy and listened again. From today I will recognize you as Charles Stephen Joseph Angus. That cements S.J. at your centre, Charlie. As ever!
Agree with you Gloria. From Saskatchewan and in the household I grew up in both Stephen Lewis and his father David Lewis were spoken of as role models and very well respected.
Stephen Lewis is now in the healing Light of Spirit and all is well with him. A wonderful, intelligent, caring man who was a blessing to Canada and to the world!! His son Avi will follow in his footsteps and move the NDP forward as a positive force for good.
With love and appreciation Carol Pickup, Esquimalt, B.C.
I’m happy Stephen Lewis lived long enough to see his son Avi take over the NDP. I am hopeful that the NDP can build up steam and push back against the liberals and conservatives.
Charlie, what a lovely tribute to Stephen Lewis! Thank you so much for sharing your own story about and with him. I'm so glad you got the chance to meet and speak with him. I was aware of his years of effort towards bringing the deadly AIDS epidemic to the forefront and his humanitarian efforts in that and in all during his life. I wish his family comfort at this saddest of times as they deal with their grief of his loss while rejoicing his life which was so well-lived. Again, thank you for sharing!
Thank you for this story. I attended one of his talks and remember a story he told about working with the Grannies and Aunties in Africa who were looking after all of their grandchildren orphaned by the AIDS pandemic. His passion and caring for the people that the so-called “civilized West” ignored and demonized continued throughout his long life. He was a blessing for us all. May he rest in power.
Many years ago, Stephen Lewis educated me about the horrific impact of international banking organizations' "structural adjustment programs" on Africa. He could always convey complex topics in easy-to-understand ways. If anyone is interested in learning more, here is the article. https://www.straight.com/article/lewis-chastises-big-bankers
Charlie, I had just arrived in Toronto from Newfoundland and I meet a man who was a member of the NDP Party and I joined and Stephen Lewis was NDP-er of the day. I got to meet him and became for the first time a NDP member. RIP Stephen, condolences to his family. I was 19 years of age and knew the history of the NDP Party
Charlie, I doubt that you'll ever read this. I know for certain that it won't get any "likes."
Certainly Stephen Lewis should be admired and praised for his tremendous humanitarian works. However, I have to admit it makes me uncomfortable to present any person as flawless, the epitome of perfection, a giant of a human being…almost god-like. I do appreciate the desire to honour him at this time of his passing.
Perhaps I'm just trying to make up for the fact that, despite my best intentions, I never got around to communicating to you how disappointed I was with your endorsement of Heather McPherson for NDP leader. To my mind, she was the candidate most to the "right". Others might describe her positions as "centre". I moved to Canada in 1975. What was considered "centre." then, is considered "far left" nowadays. That's how far the political spectrum has moved. Knowing of Lewis' part in the demise of the Waffle movement has never sat well with me. Hence, I was looking for a leader, who might help pull the NDP back to its roots.
At the very least, I wish you had stayed out of the endorsements. Ah, but if wishes were horses...
I feel tempted to apologize for this comment, but I guess if that were really true I would just delete it. I needed to get it off my chest. Thank you.
Sandy, At first I was surprised that the obituary of a great social democrat was used to attack my endorsement of Heather McPherson. But then in other ways, not so surprising. The left aren't failing because our policies aren't left enough - we are failing because of an unwillingness to build a more inclusive movement. We have a belief that group think is a moral position.
When Heather asked me about whether she should run I told her to think twice. I went through the 2017 leadership race and learned a lot of hard lessons about how the party "activists" operate.
When she ran, I gave full support to Heather because of her incredible integrity, her dedication to the movement and the fact that I have seen her deliver on the issues that matter in a practical way. I was attacked for sharing my views and she was smeared again and again online.
I wish all the best Mr. Lewis who won fair and square but I would vote for Heather again in an instant.
Thank you, Charlie for your reply. I truly appreciate it. I do believe that you have misinterpreted who I am and what my values are. It seems to me that you have made incorrect assumptions about why I voted as I did and misrepresented my reasons for posting this on this thread that is not reflected in what I wrote.
I will concede that this was not the best place for this discussion. Would you please advise me as to where I can have the opportunity to communicate a complete reply to you as you have been able to reply to me. Thank you.
My ballot was: Heather 1, Tanille 2, Rob 3, Tony 4, Avi 5. He is not his father. Ambitious, entitled, has little respect for the western context and the sensitivity of a garden gnome. Laurentian domination, despite Avi's move to the coast, still rules in this country, left or right.
Heather is the only MP at the table and will continue to do the real hard work, while Avi will be grieving at the inception of his leadership, an unfortunate coincidence, and grappling to rebuild without a seat.
Avi's election to leader is a wasted opportunity to rebuild a party decimated by lack of true leadership. A repeat of when they coulda had Charlie, they chose Singh's lack of political capital and anchor in community. Singh too centrist, Avi too out of touch left. Oi veh!
Just chiming in here. I also voted for Heather McPherson, another champion of human rights and Justice. At the same time, I am also thrilled that Avi Lewis won the leadership. IMO, it’s not about labels, left wing right wing etc. That’s why we all mourn Stephen Lewis. We rise above labels. That’s why Brian Mulroney appointed Stephen Lewis to become the Canada’s UN ambassador. They will be remembered for theirs and Canada’s championing for the democracy in South Africa and the fight against apartheid.
Charlie, thank you for a very moving tribute and message about Stephen Lewis. His life and legacy will always be remembered and carried on. How he lived and what he achieved at the grassroots levels from connecting and standing with ‘Grandmothers and Others in Timmins to world wide communities. I will always remember how he championed the fight to combat HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa and help the people first. I remember Stephen Lewis giving the Convocation Speech at my graduation at York University in 1981. His speech was inspiring and what an orator he was. I am sure his legacy and that of his father lives on in Avi Lewis. Condolences to the Lewis family and friends and to all of us NDPers and world wide communities of people. R.I.P., Stephen Lewis.
Thank You Charlie. Blessings And Comfort For The Whole Family And All Those Whom Shared Love And Purpose.
Let Us Honor Their Legacy.
Now The Work For A Fair And Just Canada.
There Is Enough To Go Around But For The Abject Greed Of A Very Few People In Mostly Undeserved Positions Of Power.
Knowledge IS Power And Must Be Freely Given And Accessible To All People Equitably.
We CANNOT Have Truth Without Everyone's Honesty.
INTEGRITY IS EVERYTHING.
Blessings And Truth For All.
We need more Stephens.
Back in the 70s when Stephen Lewis was opposition leader in the Ontario government, I was a struggling musician. I wrote him a letter about an idea I had for a Canada Council arts grant. He took the time to write me a very long and thoughtful letter in response, which I have always cherished. How many politicians do that these days?? It was a time when some politicians had a soul. I see him in you, Charlie.
I watched your YouTube eulogy and listened again. From today I will recognize you as Charles Stephen Joseph Angus. That cements S.J. at your centre, Charlie. As ever!
What a beautiful tribute to a remarkable human. And so heartwarming to learn from some of the comments about how his legacy lives on
Carla and Naheed’s response to Avi‘s victory was deplorable and unfortunately, in my opinion, proof of a lack of good old NDP integrity.
Agree with you Gloria. From Saskatchewan and in the household I grew up in both Stephen Lewis and his father David Lewis were spoken of as role models and very well respected.
Thanks Charlie for this post.
Stephen Lewis is now in the healing Light of Spirit and all is well with him. A wonderful, intelligent, caring man who was a blessing to Canada and to the world!! His son Avi will follow in his footsteps and move the NDP forward as a positive force for good.
With love and appreciation Carol Pickup, Esquimalt, B.C.
I’m happy Stephen Lewis lived long enough to see his son Avi take over the NDP. I am hopeful that the NDP can build up steam and push back against the liberals and conservatives.
Charlie, what a lovely tribute to Stephen Lewis! Thank you so much for sharing your own story about and with him. I'm so glad you got the chance to meet and speak with him. I was aware of his years of effort towards bringing the deadly AIDS epidemic to the forefront and his humanitarian efforts in that and in all during his life. I wish his family comfort at this saddest of times as they deal with their grief of his loss while rejoicing his life which was so well-lived. Again, thank you for sharing!
May his soul soar on his angel wings. Rest in peace.
Thank you for this story. I attended one of his talks and remember a story he told about working with the Grannies and Aunties in Africa who were looking after all of their grandchildren orphaned by the AIDS pandemic. His passion and caring for the people that the so-called “civilized West” ignored and demonized continued throughout his long life. He was a blessing for us all. May he rest in power.
Many years ago, Stephen Lewis educated me about the horrific impact of international banking organizations' "structural adjustment programs" on Africa. He could always convey complex topics in easy-to-understand ways. If anyone is interested in learning more, here is the article. https://www.straight.com/article/lewis-chastises-big-bankers
Charlie, I had just arrived in Toronto from Newfoundland and I meet a man who was a member of the NDP Party and I joined and Stephen Lewis was NDP-er of the day. I got to meet him and became for the first time a NDP member. RIP Stephen, condolences to his family. I was 19 years of age and knew the history of the NDP Party
I don't think one has to fully agree with any one person to admire them. It is part of the human experience that we disagree on somethings.
Stephen Lewis accomplish a lot in his life time by dedicated service.
Few people are willing to do the work to better the world. The world is abetter place because of them.
Somewhere on earth someone is better off today due to Stephen Lewis"s life time of work.
Charlie, I doubt that you'll ever read this. I know for certain that it won't get any "likes."
Certainly Stephen Lewis should be admired and praised for his tremendous humanitarian works. However, I have to admit it makes me uncomfortable to present any person as flawless, the epitome of perfection, a giant of a human being…almost god-like. I do appreciate the desire to honour him at this time of his passing.
Perhaps I'm just trying to make up for the fact that, despite my best intentions, I never got around to communicating to you how disappointed I was with your endorsement of Heather McPherson for NDP leader. To my mind, she was the candidate most to the "right". Others might describe her positions as "centre". I moved to Canada in 1975. What was considered "centre." then, is considered "far left" nowadays. That's how far the political spectrum has moved. Knowing of Lewis' part in the demise of the Waffle movement has never sat well with me. Hence, I was looking for a leader, who might help pull the NDP back to its roots.
At the very least, I wish you had stayed out of the endorsements. Ah, but if wishes were horses...
I feel tempted to apologize for this comment, but I guess if that were really true I would just delete it. I needed to get it off my chest. Thank you.
Sandy, At first I was surprised that the obituary of a great social democrat was used to attack my endorsement of Heather McPherson. But then in other ways, not so surprising. The left aren't failing because our policies aren't left enough - we are failing because of an unwillingness to build a more inclusive movement. We have a belief that group think is a moral position.
When Heather asked me about whether she should run I told her to think twice. I went through the 2017 leadership race and learned a lot of hard lessons about how the party "activists" operate.
When she ran, I gave full support to Heather because of her incredible integrity, her dedication to the movement and the fact that I have seen her deliver on the issues that matter in a practical way. I was attacked for sharing my views and she was smeared again and again online.
I wish all the best Mr. Lewis who won fair and square but I would vote for Heather again in an instant.
Thank you, Charlie for your reply. I truly appreciate it. I do believe that you have misinterpreted who I am and what my values are. It seems to me that you have made incorrect assumptions about why I voted as I did and misrepresented my reasons for posting this on this thread that is not reflected in what I wrote.
I will concede that this was not the best place for this discussion. Would you please advise me as to where I can have the opportunity to communicate a complete reply to you as you have been able to reply to me. Thank you.
My ballot was: Heather 1, Tanille 2, Rob 3, Tony 4, Avi 5. He is not his father. Ambitious, entitled, has little respect for the western context and the sensitivity of a garden gnome. Laurentian domination, despite Avi's move to the coast, still rules in this country, left or right.
Heather is the only MP at the table and will continue to do the real hard work, while Avi will be grieving at the inception of his leadership, an unfortunate coincidence, and grappling to rebuild without a seat.
Avi's election to leader is a wasted opportunity to rebuild a party decimated by lack of true leadership. A repeat of when they coulda had Charlie, they chose Singh's lack of political capital and anchor in community. Singh too centrist, Avi too out of touch left. Oi veh!
Just chiming in here. I also voted for Heather McPherson, another champion of human rights and Justice. At the same time, I am also thrilled that Avi Lewis won the leadership. IMO, it’s not about labels, left wing right wing etc. That’s why we all mourn Stephen Lewis. We rise above labels. That’s why Brian Mulroney appointed Stephen Lewis to become the Canada’s UN ambassador. They will be remembered for theirs and Canada’s championing for the democracy in South Africa and the fight against apartheid.
Charlie, thank you for a very moving tribute and message about Stephen Lewis. His life and legacy will always be remembered and carried on. How he lived and what he achieved at the grassroots levels from connecting and standing with ‘Grandmothers and Others in Timmins to world wide communities. I will always remember how he championed the fight to combat HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa and help the people first. I remember Stephen Lewis giving the Convocation Speech at my graduation at York University in 1981. His speech was inspiring and what an orator he was. I am sure his legacy and that of his father lives on in Avi Lewis. Condolences to the Lewis family and friends and to all of us NDPers and world wide communities of people. R.I.P., Stephen Lewis.
We are so grateful to you Charlie, you have carried on the torch. I see a lot Lewis in you.