NDP over this issue on March 7, 1984. In 1985, he published a book entitled "The Battle Over Bilingualism", detailing his role in the controversy. Doern ran as an Independent in the election of 1986. He polled a respectable 2006 votes, but was defeated by New Democratic candidate Jim Maloway. Later in 1986, Doern ran an unsuccessful campaign to become mayor of Winnipeg, finishing second with 48,567 votes, against 78,998 for incumbent Bill Norrie. Doern's campaign was not exclusively focused on anti-bilingualism; he also emphasized public safety concerns. He was criticized in Winnipeg Free Press editorials as an opportunistic candidate who had previously shown little interest in municipal issues. Despite having left the NDP, Doern's electoral strength remained focused in the party's north-end stronghold. According to reports from friends, Doern became extremely depressed after failing in his bid to become Mayor of Winnipeg. He wanted to return to active political service, but had few available options as an independent. Tory MLA Harry Enns has claimed that he saw Doern wandering aimlessly through the legislative buildings on several occasions during this period. Early in 1987, he made arrangements to host a radio talk-show on political affairs. On February 19, 1987, Doern committed suicide at his cousin's barn in Overstoneville, Manitoba, in the southeastern section of the province. He killed himself with a single shot to the chest, using a gun he had borrowed from a friend a few days earlier. Doern had stopped taking anti-depressant medication by this time, and was by all accounts distraught by the fact that he had little chance to return to political life. Electoral record (partial) References 1935 births 1987 deaths Canadian politicians who committed suicide Members of the Executive Council of Manitoba New Democratic Party of Manitoba MLAs Politicians from Winnipeg Suicides by firearm in Manitoba University of Manitoba alumni