Rev. Harry Lehotsky, a Winnipeg activist who fought for the poor and inner-city renewal, died early Saturday at his home. He was 49.

In May, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer that had spread to his liver, spleen and other organs. At the time, he said doctors had told him the cancer was inoperable.

Rev. Harry Lehotsky in front of a mural painted in his honour.
(CBC)

Lehotsky helped people get food and jobs. He also headed the Lazarus Housing project, which turned abandoned buildings into livable properties for low-income residents.

Last month, he said the rising cost of materials and labour was making it more difficult for his church, New Life Ministries, to buy homes in the city's West End to target for renovations.

Trudy Turner, a longtime friend and colleague, told CBC News that Lehotsky's work will not go unfinished.

"He's had a huge impact, and got the ball rolling on a lot of things and we can't afford to drop the ball now. It would be a real disservice to Harry."

Shortly after Lehotsky went public with his illness, Turner came up with the idea of having local artists paint a mural to honour the Baptist pastor and activist.

Lehotsky grew up in New York, and said that in his late teens, he realized his life was not where he wanted it to be. He overdosed on drugs, then turned his life around.

After moving to Winnipeg's West End 23 years ago, he began to focus on causes benefiting the poor.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia, and three sons.