Former Toronto mayor Rob Ford passed away at the age of 46 on Tuesday after an 18-month battle with cancer.
Ford leaves behind his wife Renata and two children, Stephanie and Douglas.
Below is the full statement released by the Ford family and condolences from his peers.
Statement from Rob Ford’s Family:
With heavy hearts and profound sadness, the Ford family announces the passing of their beloved son, brother, husband, and father, Councillor Rob Ford earlier today at the age of 46.
A dedicated man of the people, Councillor Ford spent his life serving the citizens of Toronto.
The family asks that you respect their privacy and join them in their grieving and their prayers.
WATCH: Rob Ford, polarizing but popular Toronto mayor, dies at 46
The family will not be making any statements to the media or taking any questions.
Information will follow at a later time regarding memorial services.
Statement from Toronto Mayor John Tory:
I am saddened to learn of the passing of Rob Ford: husband, father, city councillor, and former mayor of Toronto.
The City is reeling with this news, and my thoughts are with his wife Renata and their two children, as well as Rob’s brothers Doug and Randy, his sister Kathy, his mother, Diane, and the rest of their tight-knit family, including TDSB Trustee Michael Ford.
I have known Rob Ford for many years. He was a man who spoke his mind and who ran for office because of the deeply felt convictions that he had. As a councillor, mayor and private citizen, Rob Ford reached out directly to people across the city with a phone call, an offer of advice or support, and I know there are many who were affected by his gregarious nature and approach to public service.
I had a chance to visit him not long ago and while he was clearly not well, he was happy to hear me say I looked forward to his return to City Hall. Sadly, that won’t now happen but whatever differences we had, he knew I meant it.
His time in City Hall included moments of kindness, of generosity to his council colleagues and real efforts to do what he thought was best for Toronto. He was, above all else, a profoundly human guy whose presence in our city will be missed.
On behalf of the people of The City of Toronto, I offer my sincere condolences to his loved ones at this time.
VIDEO: Toronto mayor John Tory reacted to the death of former mayor Rob Ford on Tuesday. Peter Kim reports.
Statement from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau:
READ MORE: Rob Ford Dead: Canadians share their condolences on social media
Statement from Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne:
It was with deep sadness that I learned that former Toronto mayor Rob Ford has passed away.
As the son of the late Doug Ford Sr., a former MPP, Rob Ford grew up in a family with a strong tradition of political involvement and community service. And he upheld that tradition throughout his life. In 2000, at the age of just 31, Rob Ford became a Toronto city councillor for Ward 2 Etobicoke North. He served three terms in that role before being elected as mayor of Canada’s largest city in 2010.
Grave health issues forced Rob Ford to withdraw from Toronto’s 2014 mayoral election campaign. But he demonstrated his fierce determination to continue in public service by campaigning successfully to win back his former position as Ward 2 councillor. Rob Ford earned widespread respect for his unwavering persistence in the face of serious health concerns — which he summed up in a statement released from his hospital bed during the 2014 campaign: ‘Be strong, stay positive and never, ever give up.’
On behalf of the Government of Ontario, I want to express my condolences to Rob Ford’s friends, family and colleagues. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.
VIDEO: Premier Wynne announces death of Rob Ford in Queen’s Park
Statement from the Leader of the Official Opposition Rona Ambrose:
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Rob Ford after a long battle with cancer.
Rob Ford was a tireless fighter for the taxpayer and a true advocate for the people he represented. His goal was to serve the people of Toronto the best way he knew how. He was well known for personally engaging with constituents and trying to solve the many problems they face on a daily basis. Despite the challenges he fought and the controversies he faced, it is my sincere hope that Canadians will remember Rob Ford for his enduring love for his community and country, and his dedication to his constituents.
On behalf of the Official Opposition and the Conservative Party of Canada, I offer my deepest condolences to the entire Ford family as they deal with this painful loss.
Statement from former Toronto mayor David Miller:
Statement from Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti:
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