Jack Layton

Layton in 2011, photo By Matt Jiggins [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Birth Name: John Gilbert Layton

Date of Birth: July 18, 1950

Place of Birth: Montréal, Québec, Canada

Date of Death: August 22, 2011

Place of Death: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Ethnicity: English, with some German and Irish

Jack Layton was a Canadian politician. He was Leader of the New Democratic Party, from January 25, 2003 to August 22, 2011, and, as such, served as Leader of the Opposition in the Canadian Parliament, from May 2, 2011 until August 22, 2011, his death. He was also a Member of the Canadian Parliament for Toronto—Danforth (ON), from June 28, 2004 to August 22, 2011.

Jack was the son of Doris Elizabeth (Steeves) and Robert Layton (Robert Edward John Layton), who was a Progressive Conservative MP, from 1984 to 1993, as well as Minister of State for Mines, from 1984 to 1986. Jack was married to politician Olivia Chow, until his death. He had two children with his first wife Sally Halford.

Jack’s paternal grandfather was Gilbert Layton (the son of Philip Edward David Layton and Alice Marion Gilbert). Jack’s grandfather Gilbert was born in Montréal, Québec, Canada, and was a politician in Québec. Philip was born in Northamptonshire, England, the son of Philip Layton and Fanny. Alice was also English, and was the daughter of Samuel Gilbert and Elizabeth.

Jack’s paternal grandmother was Norah Lestelle England (the daughter of Arthur John England and Florence Louise Grimmett).

Jack’s maternal grandfather was John Trites Rowe Steeves (the son of John Trites Steeves and Laura Rowe). Jack’s grandfather John was born in Hillsborough, Albert County, New Brunswick, Canada. Jack’s great-grandfather John was the son of Christian Albertson Steeves and Martha Ann; John was a nephew of William Steeves, a Father of Canadian Confederation.

Jack’s maternal grandmother was Constance Burgoyne Halpin (the daughter of Claude Stuart Burgoyne Halpin and Rosa Belle Powell). Constance was American, from Richmond, Virginia. Claude was the son of Irish parents, William Henry Halpin and Elizabeth Gaston Rogan, from Londonderry. Rosa was the daughter of William Henry Powell and Mary Eliza Rider.

Source: Genealogy of Jack Layton – http://www.geni.com