A Tale of Two Loves

A short but (very) sweet documentary about former Mayor of Toronto Nathan Philips is up on YouTube. Created by his granddaughter, the four-minute documentary intertwines the stories of Philips' relationship with his wife, Esther Lyons, and his ascent to the mayor's chair in 1955. It's a nice tribute to "the mayor of all people," and a good primer for anyone looking to learn more about the man whose name graces the most important public space in the city. The bit about the early days of courtship between Philips and Lyons is a highlight, introducing a touching personal detail about a man whose life is usually recalled through references to his public life.