Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a profound sense of loss. One of Hamilton's premier community leaders, Ray Johnson, passed away this week.
Ray Johnson was a light in the Hamilton community, a man who rose from limited means to become an icon of humanness in a fast and furious world.
Over the years, as I worked with Ray, I was struck by how he always had time for anyone and everyone. He was on the leading edge of social activism, fighting poverty and fighting racism. He always did so with dignity and grace.
A devoted husband, father and community leader in the truest sense, Ray was honoured for his life's work and was named as Hamilton's Citizen of the Year just last year.
Ray Johnson has left a hole in the heart and fabric of Hamilton, but we will remember Ray Johnson and honour him by continuing his work.