In Photos: The Late Rob Ford Gets a Big 'Ford Nation' Send Off

It's the early evening in Rexdale — once known as former Toronto mayor Rob Ford's political and cultural stronghold — and the sun is beginning to set. Not just on the city, but on Ford's legacy. Last week, Ford died after a long battle with cancer at the young age of 46. He left behind a loyal army of followers in what has been known for years as Ford Nation — a group tens of thousands strong that see the Ford family as royalty. The signage, the t-shirts, the Rob Ford bobbleheads and unavoidable banners have long been the trademark of their brand, and Wednesday night, after a funeral that drew thousands, they flocked to a cavernous convention center to throw one final after party in memory of the controversial leader.

VICE News went to the post-funeral goodbye, and found a deep, blissful ignorance of Ford's epic failings, and a genuine, almost-spiritual belief that he was one of the best people Toronto had ever produced.

It's 6 pm and the line is already snaking around the building at the Toronto Congress Center.

"Ford was a champion. I just happened to pick this shirt by chance," said this man. "I guess it worked out."

Onlookers were pulled into the energetic crowd as they chanted "Long live Ford, Rob is great."

"Bless the Ford family forever."

Members of the Don Bosco Eagles, the high school football team Ford coached, showed their support.

Hundreds of people milled about on the inside.

One of the coveted Rob Ford bobble heads that was onsale at the event.

"He was just like Christ," said Mazlin, on the left. "The way they betrayed him, and stabbed him, and left him to die, and then turned around to be at his funeral, pretend like nothing happened. It's sick."

Doug Ford, Rob Ford's older brother, was swarmed by supporters after giving remarks. He promised to "continue respecting the taxpayer."

All photos by Jake Kivanc

Follow him on Twitter: @KivancJake