It was a mere month ago when NDP leader Jack Layton announced he was taking a short break from politics so he could focus on recovering from cancer.

“I’m fighting cancer now, so I can fight for families in September,” he announced on July 25 to his 100,000+ followers on Twitter.

However Layton passed away at the age of 61 in his Toronto home, surrounded by loved ones.

He approached his battle with cancer using the same positive outlook he used in politics.

“I am as hopeful and optimistic about all of this as I was the day I began my political work, many years ago,” Layton said. “I am hopeful and optimistic about the personal battle that lies before me in the weeks to come.”

The NDP leader with the seemingly permanent smile under his bushy mustache strove to change the face of politics.

“If I have tried to bring anything to federal politics, it is the idea that hope and optimism should be at their heart,” he said.

In his final tweet, he thanked everyone for their well wishes.

“Thank you. I will fight this – and beat it.”