Jim Lightbody, who taught political science at the University of Alberta for 47 years, died Wednesday following a “brief but courageous battle with cancer.”
He was 73 years old.
“Jim will be remembered for his gentle, benevolent nature and quick wit,” his obituary reads.
READ MORE: Edmonton goes mostly Tory blue in Alberta election
Global News interviewed him on many occasions on various political issues.
Over the course of his career, Lightbody worked with politicians of all stripes and mentored many future leaders.
“His contribution and devotion to the discipline will be remembered for generations to come and his works on municipal government will last forever,” his obituary said.
READ MORE: City of Calgary shows its thanks to Edmonton for help during flood
“Of all the many things in his life of which he was proud, Jim was always most proud of his parents, Olive and Dean, who took a chance with a baby they did not know.
“He will be forever missed.”
Lightbody is survived by his partner of 26 years, two daughters, five grandchildren, his brother and his beloved dogs, Scooter and Tito.
An informal gathering will be held Saturday, Nov. 10, at the South Side Memorial Chapel for those who wish to remember Lightbody.
The family is requesting anyone who would like to honour his memory consider a donation to the Edmonton Humane Society.
Alberta Party leader Stephen Mandel crossed paths with Lightbody on several occasions when Mandel had Edmonton’s top job.
“I had an opportunity to meet Jim a couple of times when I was mayor and when he was critical of what we were doing sometimes,” Mandel said.
“I found him to be an incredibly engaging individual, someone who his students loved. That’s so very sad… my thoughts and prayers go out to his family at the loss of a really nice, nice man.”
Comments