TORONTO, Ont. – Friends, acquaintances and strangers filed through the Ontario legislature, Monday, to pay their respects to former Ontario lieutenant-governor Lincoln Alexander.

Alexander was Canada’s first black MP and later served six years as Ontario’s lieutenant governor. He died Friday at the age of 90.

His body lay in state in the main lobby at the legislative building until 8 p.m., at which time him his body was scheduled to be moved back to his hometown of Hamilton. Once there, he will lie in repose at City Hall until his state funeral on Friday.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper arrived by motorcade at Queen’s Park Monday afternoon to pay his respects. His visit was brief, lasting only about five minutes. He signed the book of condolences and shared a brief conversation with a military official before leaving the building and getting back into the black Cadillac.

There were people in attendance who never met Alexander, including Olive, who said she felt compelled to be here
“because of his principles, the way he went about things, his vision. He was a visionary, and I like visionaries. That’s one of the reasons why I came to see him.”

However, there were many others – such as Toronto Mayor Rob Ford – who met the man affectionately known as “Linc” several times over the years.

“It’s unbelievable what he did for the black community … he broke down a lot of barriers, and you have to admire someone like that — great strength and will to do it,” Ford said.

Chris, who has four sons, said it was important for them to come because he wanted “to be able to drill it home to them that they can aspire to be whatever they want to be in Canada.”

Former prime minister Joe Clark was also in attendance. Alexander served as labour minister during Clark’s government, from 1979 to 1980.

“He was of course a highly accomplished man, an excellent lawyer, a very good minister, but it was as a human that he excelled and he made everybody feel welcome. He made everybody feel important,” Clark said.

Stan, from Richmond Hill, Ont., is one of those people.

“He took a young kid and he knew where I was coming from, and he gave me two minutes of his time and he showed me another direction,” Stan said.

Former Mike Harris also paid his respects, calling Alexander a very special human being.

“The history will talk about the firsts and the rest of it. I think these people are here – as I am here – as a friend, and one who has a great deal of respect for Lincoln’s humility, for his humanity,” he said.  

At one point, the line up for people to pay their respects stretched out the front door and down the front steps.

Sunday’s procession included an escort from members of the governor general’s horse guard and the Toronto Police Mounted Unit, as they followed the body into Queen’s Park.

Bagpipers meanwhile performed as Alexander’s Canadian-flag draped casket was brought into the main hall.