MONTREAL - By all accounts, former N.D.G. city councillor Michael Fainstat was not a religious man, and did not want a traditional sendoff. The two-hour reception Sunday afternoon at the Mount Royal Funeral Complex was a festive gathering, rather than a sombre memorial.

"That's exactly what we wanted -- a celebration. That was the whole intent," said Ruth Fainstat, his wife of 66 years.

"Mickey was so full of joy and happiness. Let's talk about it, and encourage others, and leave that as his lasting memory."

Fainstat died of Parkinson's Disease Dec. 29 at the age of 87. He was remembered by family and friends not only as a tireless activist and dedicated politician, but also as a lifelong learner with a keen sense of humour.

"Although on some levels, Mickey was a very serious man engaged in serious pursuits, he never took himself too seriously," said his grandson, Tyler.

The crowd smiled and laughed as relatives recounted stories of Fainstat's impressive dancing skills, his tendency to exaggerate stories and his love of inappropriate jokes.

But as visitors mingled and chatted about his life, it was his role as a public figure that dominated most of the conversations. Fainstat was elected to represent N.D.G. as a city councillor in 1974, under the Montreal Citizens' Movement (MCM) banner. He challenged then mayor Jean Drapeau's administration, continuously fighting for more transparency at city hall.

"(He) basically changed the history of Montreal because he gave the party credibility. He saved the party when in it fell apart in the late 70s," said Arnold Bennett, who served as a councillor alongside Fainstat.

The MCM won the 1986 election by a landslide. Jean Dore ousted Drapeau as mayor, and Fainstat became the chairman of the executive committee -- a position he held until 1990. Described as a champion of democracy, Fainstat is credited with introducing a public question period at city hall.

Scott McKay, a PQ MNA and former Montreal city councillor, said he considered Fainstat a mentor at the beginning of his political career.

"Michael Fainstat had a great work ethic, that's for sure. (He was) very rigourous in his work, and also he was always reminding us that we're working for the citizens, for the public," said McKay.

Mayor Gerald Tremblay echoed those sentiments, describing Fainstat as a well-respected politician whose legacy continues to influence elected officials at city hall.

"It's up to us to really continue to promote the same values that will build a promising future for all Montrealers," Tremblay said.

"We have to do it with all the passion that we have, and say exactly what he was saying all the time: We love Montreal, it's a fantastic city."

Fainstat donated his body to McGill University's medical school to be used in the teaching of human anatomy -- a final act of generosity that his wife described as a symbol of "continuity."

"It's teaching young students in the medical field, and it's part of progress, it's moving on," she said.

Fainstat is also survived by three daughters, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.