FOG BLOG CANADIANA LOG: AN ICON OF TORONTO, POLITICS AND BUSINESS, MEL LASTMAN DIES AT 88!

Former Toronto Mayor Mel Lastman dies at 88.......Former Toronto Mayor Mel Lastman has died. He was 88......FAMOUS FOR BEING MAYOR OF NORTH YORK , THEN TORONTO AND THE LASTMAN BAD BOY FRANCHISES IN BUSINESS WITH HIS SON.....

Lastman died at his home Saturday afternoon, CTV News learned.

Known for his flamboyance and outspokenness, Lastman served for six years as the first mayor of 'megacity' -- the name given to Toronto after the amalgamation of six municipalities in 1998.

Before that, he was the mayor of the then municipality of North York for more than two decades, from 1973 to 1997.....Toronto Mayor John Tory, who worked in Lastman's mayoral campaign and served in his "kitchen cabinet," paid tribute to his former boss on Saturday, calling him a kind, good-hearted man.

Tory said Lastman had a larger-than-life personality "who always wanted to do the right thing for people."

"He was so committed to the city and worked throughout his time in office to make sure Toronto moved forward as one united city and into the 21st century," the mayor said in a statement.

"As we mourn his passing, I want to thank Mel Lastman again for his service to North York and to the entire City of Toronto. He will be so missed by those who knew and loved him. May his memory be a blessing."

Tory has ordered all flags at city hall and other municipal buildings to be lowered at half-mast to honour Lastman. He has also asked city protocol to provide an opportunity for the public to sign a condolence book.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford honoured Lastman Saturday, describing him as a "true leader and builder" for Toronto.

"He was a great mayor and he touched many lives," Ford said in a tweet. "Mel, you will truly be missed. My thoughts are with the Lastman family at this difficult time."

Coun. Mike Colle, who also worked in Lastman's 1998 mayoral run, said his friend and mentor cared so much about Toronto, putting his heart and soul into the city.