Rob Ford: Cause of Death, Controversies, and Net Worth

Most people remember Rob Ford for the crack cocaine video—and understandably so. But the story of Toronto’s 64th mayor is also one of a populist who connected with working-class voters, a family scandal that played out in full public view, and a rare cancer that ultimately ended his life at age 46.

Full Name: Robert Bruce Ford ·
Born: May 28, 1969 ·
Died: March 22, 2016 (aged 46) ·
Cause of Death: Pleomorphic liposarcoma ·
Office Held: 64th Mayor of Toronto (2010–2014) ·
Known For: Crack cocaine scandal, fiscal conservatism

Seven key facts, one pattern: most of Ford’s public story orbits two poles—a scandal that made him a punchline, and a medical tragedy that made him human again.

The pattern: the confirmed data is thin on private wealth and thick on public office—exactly the imbalance that fueled Ford’s populist appeal and the unanswered questions that still trail his name.

Why did Rob Ford pass away?

What type of cancer did Rob Ford have?

Ford died from pleomorphic liposarcoma, a rare and aggressive soft-tissue cancer that arises from fat cells. According to the National Cancer Institute (U.S. government cancer research authority), pleomorphic liposarcoma accounts for only about 5% of all liposarcomas and carries a poor prognosis because it tends to recur and spread.

When was Rob Ford diagnosed?

• September 2014: A tumor was discovered in his abdomen during a medical workup triggered by abdominal pain. (BBC News)
• He immediately withdrew from his re-election campaign and began treatment. (BBC News)

How long did Rob Ford fight cancer?

Ford underwent surgery in October 2014 to remove the tumor, followed by multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. Despite aggressive treatment, the cancer spread. He died on March 22, 2016—18 months after diagnosis. (The Guardian)

The implication: Ford’s case became a stark reminder that even aggressive treatment cannot overcome the most aggressive cancers.

What disease did Rob Ford have?

Is pleomorphic liposarcoma common?

No. Liposarcomas as a group are rare—about 12,000 new soft-tissue sarcomas are diagnosed annually in the U.S., and liposarcomas make up roughly 20% of those. Pleomorphic liposarcoma is the rarest subtype. (Mayo Clinic (leading U.S. medical research center))

What are the symptoms of liposarcoma?

• Painless swelling or a lump in the abdomen, legs, or arms.
• Abdominal pain, feeling full quickly, or constipation if the tumor is in the abdomen.
• Weight loss or fatigue as the tumor grows. (National Cancer Institute)

How is liposarcoma treated?

Standard treatment involves surgical removal with clear margins, often followed by radiation or chemotherapy to control recurrence. For pleomorphic liposarcoma, the five-year disease-specific survival rate ranges between 30% and 50%, depending on tumor size and location. (Mayo Clinic) Ford’s tumor was abdominal—a location where complete surgical resection is particularly difficult—which likely contributed to the recurrence.

The catch: Ford’s medical tragedy also humanized him in ways his political career never could.

Why was Rob Ford controversial?

What was the Rob Ford crack cocaine scandal?

In May 2013, the Toronto Star and Gawker reported that a video existed showing Ford smoking crack cocaine. After months of denial, Ford admitted in November 2013 that he had smoked crack—but insisted he was not an addict. The video was later confirmed authentic by Toronto police. (The New York Times)

Did Rob Ford make racist or sexist comments?

Yes, on multiple occasions. He told a radio host that “the Oriental people are taking over,” referred to a gay Pride event as “bizarre,” and made comments about women’s bodies that drew widespread criticism. His language repeatedly alienated minority and LGBTQ+ communities. (CBC News)

Why was Rob Ford criticized during his mayoralty?

• Erratic behavior: He appeared intoxicated at public events, was accused of groping a woman at a charity event, and made threatening phone calls captured on voicemail. (NPR)
• Conflict of interest: He was found to have violated the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act by voting on a matter involving a donor to his private football foundation. (The Canadian Encyclopedia)
• Council chaos: His combative relationship with Toronto City Council led to repeated votes to strip him of powers—a local drama that consumed city governance for two years.

What this means: the controversy that defined his mayoralty also cemented his populist appeal among voters tired of political correctness.

How did Rob Ford make his money?

What was Rob Ford’s family business?

Ford’s father, Doug Ford Sr., founded Deco Labels and Tags, a printing company that manufactured labels, tags, and decals. Rob and his older brother Doug Jr. ran the company after their father’s death. The business was a steady income stream that funded Rob’s political ambitions without the need for deep-pocketed donors. (CBC News)

Did Rob Ford have other income sources?

• Mayoral salary: Approximately $185,000 per year during his term.
• Consulting and speaking fees: Reports suggest he earned some income from public appearances after leaving office, though the amounts are not publicly documented.
• Rental property income: He reportedly owned at least one rental property in Toronto.

How wealthy was Rob Ford?

Estimates place Ford’s net worth at death between $3 million and $5 million. The bulk of this came from his share of Deco Labels & Tags, which had annual revenues estimated in the low eight figures during his tenure. His financial disclosures as a councillor and mayor were minimal—a pattern common in Canadian municipal politics, where full asset disclosure is not required.

The pattern: the gap between his modest personal wealth and his populist rhetoric mirrors the contradictions that defined his entire career.

Where is Rob Ford’s wife today?

Who is Rob Ford’s wife?

Renata Brejnik married Rob Ford in 2000. She largely stayed out of the media spotlight during his mayoralty, appearing only at select public events. After Rob’s death, she maintained her privacy. (The Guardian)

How many children did Rob Ford have?

Two: Stephanie, born in 2005, and Dougie, born in 2007. They lived with Renata in the family home in Etobicoke after Ford’s death.

What is Renata Ford doing now?

Renata has not given any media interviews since her husband’s funeral. She occasionally attends events honoring Rob’s political legacy, such as the renaming of an Etobicoke park in his memory, but has not re-entered public life. She continues to raise their children privately.

The implication: Rob Ford’s political legacy endures through his brother’s career.

Quotes that defined Rob Ford’s public image

“Yes, I have smoked crack cocaine.”

— Rob Ford, 2013 interview with reporters, confirming the crack video

“With heavy hearts and profound sadness, the Ford family announces the passing of their beloved husband, father, and brother.”

— Ford family statement, March 22, 2016

“He was a figure of controversy, known for drug scandals and fiscal conservatism.”

— BBC profile

Ford’s death forced a complicated reckoning. For his supporters, he was a man who fought cancer with the same stubbornness he brought to council debates. For his critics, his substance abuse and rhetoric left real damage. The truth likely sits between the two: a politician who channeled genuine anger at a city’s elites and who paid a steep personal price for his own demons.

For a deeper look at Rob Fords controversies and legacy, the crack scandal and his eventual cancer diagnosis reshaped Toronto politics forever.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• Anita Anand — A biography of the Canadian federal politician.
• Ian Hanomansing — Career overview of the longtime CBC journalist.