Windsor MP and activist Howard McCurdy remembered as a man who 'didn't back down'

Howard McCurdyis being remembered as aman who never backed down from anything.

Thecivil rights activist was the second black member of Parliament in Canada the firstfor the New Democratic Party andthe first tenured black professor in Canadian history. McCurdydied Tuesday at the age of 85.

• LaSalle's Howard McCurdy named to Order of Ontario

"I think Howard will be remembered as a feisty character who wouldn't back down from anybody and would take on the establishment if he thought there was an injustice taking place," said Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Percy Hatfield, who was working as a city hall reporter when McCurdyran for city council in 1979.

Howard McCurdy's daughters, colleaguesand friendsremember his legacy:

Remembering Howard McCurdy

7 years ago

Duration 1:51

Here's a look at the life of Howard McCurdy.

Hatfield asked the Ontario Legislature to hold a moment of silence for McCurdyduring question period at Queen's Park on Wednesday.

"He stood as a strong leader for equality and equity and never backed down from that. He knew racism first-hand and fought it every step of the way," Hatfield added.

Howard McCurdytalks minorities in politics in 2014:

McCurdy talks about minorities in politics

10 years ago

Duration 1:07

Howard McCurdy talks about minorities in politics

McCurdywas also a scientist and civil rights activist. He alsoformed the Guardian Club to fight racial discrimination in Windsor andco-founded and chaired the National Black Coalition of Canada.

He moved forward the position of the black community in Canada quite significantly over his lifetime.-Joe Comartin, former Windsor MP

He was named to the Order of Ontario and designated a member of the Order of Canada in 2012.

In a Facebook post, McCurdy's grandson CourtlinDucre described his grandfather as"a true example of black excellence who always proved that a life of hard work could lead to the highest echelon of success."

Former MP Joe Comartinknew McCurdy well and said he will be remembered as a gifted speaker, who was voted the best dressed parliamentarian and who was known for being a tireless activist.

"He moved forward the position of the black community in Canada quite significantly over his lifetime," Comartin said.