Hundreds of people lined up Monday at City Hall to pay their respects to former Toronto mayor Rob Ford who lost his battle with cancer last week.

People stood outside in the wind and rain, the line wrapping around the building before winding inside. The wait was about two hours but mourners waited patiently for their turn to approach Ford’s casket in the lobby of City Hall.

 

 

Conversations stayed quiet as people shared memories of Ford’s time in office, as a councillor and mayor, and his work as a high school football coach.

“It just goes to show you that someone whose heart is in the right place, I think people tapped into that and this is the way that they’re going to show that they understood him,” said John Giuga, the former head of physical education at Newtonbrook Secondary School in North York.

Giuga coached football with Ford for a few years at Newtonbrook. Ford had showed up with a truck full of equipment and an offer to help after hearing about a potential new football program from his summer league players.

“Without his generosity and the time that he gave us I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy a sport that I love,” said Danny Sananes, one of the players who played under Ford at Newtoonbrook.

Once reaching the front of the line, people were able to approach Ford’s casket one by one. Some stood quietly with their heads bowed for a minute or two while others took their time, reaching out to lay their hands on the casket and whisper a few words.

“He always stuck up for the little guy,” said Marty Domagala while waiting in line. “He was very transparent, he brought to light all of the extravagant spending and I think people can really relate to him.”

Visitation will continue on Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. at City Hall.