Public memorial planned for former Alberta premier Ralph Klein

CALGARY – Family friend and former Klein campaign manager Alan Hallman has confirmed that a public memorial will be held for Klein on Friday around noon at the Jack Singer Concert Hall. Further details are expected to be released Monday.

Condolence books will be set up in government buildings across the province, for Albertans to pay tribute to the former premier. An online condolence book has already been set up, and can be signed on the Government of Alberta’s website.

Klein passed away at a Calgary care centre Friday at the age of 70, following a long battle with dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and, more recently, complications from pneumonia.

“The nature of his illness made it very difficult to express his thoughts these past years which I know was a real challenge for him, but Ralph very much knew and appreciated the well wishes and warm messages he received. I want to thank everyone for their support and especially of the caregivers who helped us throughout. It has all made a tremendous difference,” said his wife Colleen Klein.

Klein’s legacy is being remembered and honoured by politicians across the country, as they offer their condolences to the Klein family.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper recalls Klein as a man who said what he believed and did what he said.

“Alberta and Canada have lost a unique and significant leader. While Ralph’s beliefs about the role of government and fiscal responsibility were once considered radical, it is perhaps his greatest legacy that these ideas are now widely embraced across the political spectrum,” Harper said.

“While Ralph had opponents, he made few personal enemies. To me, he wasn’t King Ralph, as some described him. Instead, during a colourful political career he remained Citizen Ralph – a man equally at home in the Petroleum Club as he was in the St. Louis Hotel.”

“Laureen and I join Calgarians, Albertans and Canadians in paying tribute to Ralph. Our thoughts and prayers are with Colleen and all members of the Klein family at this difficult time.”

Alberta premier Alison Redford said Klein’s ability to connect with Albertans was “absolutely remarkable” and called him “a real man of the people.”

“I am truly saddened by our loss of Ralph Klein,” said Redford. “His passing is a loss to us all. On behalf of all my colleagues in the government caucus and my family, I want to offer my heartfelt condolences to his wife Colleen and their family during this very difficult time. He will be dearly missed.”

“Ralph was a staunch defender of our province as he had a deep and abiding love for Alberta and Albertans. His vision and extraordinary political instincts provided Alberta with tremendous leadership for 14 years,” Redford added.

Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi said Klein had a tremendous impact on the City of Calgary and its residents, and his legacy will be sorely missed.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of Ralph Klein’s passing,” Nenshi said. “Our thoughts and condolences are with his wife, Colleen, and their family in this difficult time.”

“The many highlights of his career and political legacy will undoubtedly be shared over the coming days, and many Albertans will mourn him as a beloved former premier. But Calgary was always the city he called home. A true born-and-raised Calgarian, he served as mayor from 1980-1989 and, to me, he will always be Mayor Klein,” Nenshi added.

Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel says Klein will be remembered as a great Albertan who had a lasting relationship with the people of Alberta.

“He was never referred to as Mr. Premier, it was always ‘Hey Ralph, what are you doing? Ralph, where are you going?’ He was, I think, that kind of guy.”

“I think that one has to describe Ralph- everybody referred to him as that- as a premier of the people. He had a connection that few politicians are able to have with the general public and I think that’s a great credit to the kind of person he was, and his personality and the way he can relate to people.”

“In general he was a wonderful premier, but more a really, really nice guy, a nice person, someone who everybody could relate to.”

The flags at Edmonton city hall have be lowered and will remain at half-mast until sunset on the day of Klein’s memorial.

Wildrose leader Danielle Smith is remembering Klein as a leader “committed to his principles and connected to his constituents.”

“As a leader, Ralph was tough enough to keep his promises, humble enough to admit his mistakes, and disciplined enough to follow through on his vision,” Smith said. “Albertans will remember Ralph for his warmth, his dedication to his family and his province, and for his commitment to the people he served.”

“On behalf of the Wildrose Official Opposition, I extend my deepest condolences to Ralph’s wife Colleen and the rest of his family, and I join all Albertans in remembering the life and legacy of Premier Ralph Klein,” Smith added.

Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall calls Klein a “straight talking leader with vision.”

“Capacity for the toughest decisions and a grassroots touch is a very special leader. Rest in peace, Ralph Klein,” said Wall.

Klein was Alberta’s 12th premier. He held office from 1992 to 2006.
Follow @CaleyRamsay