Jack Layton's casket sits under a spotlight during his state funeral at Toronto's Roy Thomson Hall Saturday (Photo: Frank Gunn/the Canadian Press)
Jack Layton has been remembered as a champion of social democracy, a politician who connected with ordinary people and as a father and grandfather.
More than 2000 people filled a concert hall in Toronto for the state funeral for the late NDP leader, with many more watching the cermony on giant screens outside.
The service had a political tone as NDP icon Stephen Lewis spoke of Layton's social democratic vision for Canada. Layton's widow and fellow MP Olivia Chow recorded a video message for the service, telling mourners to consider what they can accomplish together to make sure that Layton's voice is not silenced.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper, one of the many dignitaries in attendance, says it's been an extraordinary and very emotional week, and adds the ceremonies have given Canadians the chance to express gratitude for Layton's contribution to public life. He says he hopes it has been of some comfort to Layton's friends and family.
Harper used his discretion to grant a rare state funeral for Layton, who died a week ago Monday after a battle with cancer at age 61.
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