A state funeral will be held next Saturday, March 5, for former Alberta premier Don Getty after he passed away early Friday morning at the age of 82. The funeral will be held at the All Saints Cathedral in Edmonton at 11 a.m.
Memorial books for Getty have been set up in Edmonton and Calgary as a way for the public to pay tribute to him.
Books of condolence are set up in the Alberta Legislature rotunda in Edmonton and at McDougall Centre in Calgary.
The public can also send messages of sympathy and support to the Getty family by visiting the Alberta Government’s website.
READ MORE: Former Alberta premier Don Getty dies at 82
Getty was Alberta’s 11th premier, serving in the position from 1985 to 1992. Getty’s political accomplishments included the creation of the Family Day holiday. Several provinces have since followed suit over the years.
Getty was born in Quebec in 1933. A football star in high school and university, Getty headed to Alberta in 1955 to play for the Edmonton Eskimos. He played for the green and gold for 10 years, winning two Grey Cups.
READ MORE: Not just a politician: Don Getty remembered as a great athlete
Getty isn’t being remembered as just a premier and professional football player, he’s also being remembered as a great dad.
“Family was important,” Darin Getty said Friday. “I just don’t know if they (Albertans) knew how nice of a man he was…I think he brought a lot of class to politics… There was such a gentle side to him that I don’t think people would have seen.”
“He was a decent man and I hope people remember that.”
Watch below: Darin Getty remembers ‘tough but fair’ father
Getty leaves behind his wife, Margaret, and four sons.
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