Thousands of Canadians are remembering one of Alberta’s most prolific and colourful politicians.
The public ceremony at the Epcor Centre's Jack Singer Concert Hall began with a recording of Ian Tyson's "Four Strong Winds".
Former Calgary mayor Dave Bronconnier hosted the celebration.
"Ralph received great comfort from Aboriginal spirituality," Bronconnier. "Ralph carried an eagle feather with him everywhere he went." "That eagle feather joins us here today."
“He had this knack of separating business from personal,” says Bronconnier. “When you met with Ralph Klein he always greeted you with a smile, a wink, and that twinkle in his eye.”
Current mayor Naheed Nenshi was next to share his memories of Klein, acknowledging all of the F.O.R.K.'s (Friends Of Ralph Klein) in the crowd.
Nenshi spoke fondly of a photo of himself and Ralph Klein which remains on display in the mayor’s office.
“He was the template, and remains the template for me for what a mayor is and what a mayor does,” says Nenshi.
“Regardless of what side of the table you were on, he always treated you with incredible respect. He always listened and he always looked for the best solution.”
Nenshi reminded the crowd of some of Calgary's achievements that occurred during Ralph's time as mayor. Klein's legacy includes the Jack Singer Concert Hall, the CTrain, the new city hall building, Olympic Plaza, the Saddledome, and the 1988 Winter Olympics.
Former premier of Ontario, Mike Harris, took to the podium to say goodbye to 'a good friend, a colleague, a mentor, a fellow golfer (using the term loosely), a fisherman, and an all around great, lovable guy.'
While Harris and Klein shared lighter moments, the former Ontario premier admired Klein's serious side.
“When it was time to do what was right for Calgary or Alberta or Canada, Ralph could always be counted on to do the right thing.”
"If he made a mistake, he admitted it and he fixed it."
Roy Romanow, former premier of Saskatchewan, addressed the crowd of Klein well wishers.
“Friends, in celebrating the life of Ralph Klein, we do so today not just because he erased the debt of over $20 billion, not just because he led Alberta’s economy to astonishing heights, not just because Alberta’s health care system concurrently remained and remains one of Canada’s best, nor just because he won four general elections,” says Romanow. “Important as all of this, today we remember and honour a great Albertan and Canadian because he cared passionately for his province and his country and worked to make them better places where hopes are honoured, dreams pursued, energy and ambition rewarded, and all are welcomed.”
Romanow shared his favourite Ralph Klein quote with those in attendance.
"Alberta is a province rich in blessings and hope. The best is yet to come."
Former Deputy Premier of Alberta, Dr. Shirley McClellan spoke fondly of her former colleague.
“I will remember him most for his humility, his grin, the twinkle in those beautiful blue eyes, his genuine interest in every person he met, his ability to listen to Albertans and understand their hopes and dreams and his ability to then make sure those hopes and dreams could become reality.”
Premier Alison Redford remembered Klein's interactions with everyday Albertans.
“The honourable title, ‘Man of the People’, was never so fittingly bestowed as when it was applied to Premier Klein,” says Premier Redford.
Prime Minster Stephen Harper says Ralph Klein was loved in the province because Albertans knew he was one of their own.
“The love that Albertans have for Ralph Klein, and I don’t think that love is too strong of a word, was based on something other than the extraordinarily successful management of Alberta’s finances,” says Prime Minister Harper. “Albertans understood that this was a man, this was a leader, who never forgot where he came from. Neither did he forget the people he served.”
“A man equally at home in the Petroleum Club or the St. Louis Hotel.”
Susan Naylen Sorrell moved to Calgary in 2005 because of the dynamic economy. "We want to honour what he did for the economy and what he did for the city. We're really proud Calgarians."
Bill Wiley wanted to come to be a part of the celebration of Ralph's life. "I think he left quite a legacy for this city. I just wanted to be part of it."
The city is hosting a Celebration of Life for Ralph Klein to give Albertans a chance to pay their respects to the former Calgary mayor and premier.
Prior to the service, Mayor Nenshi proclaimed April 5, 2013, as Ralph Klein Day in a ceremony in front of city hall. Colleen Klein and other members of the Klein family attended the ceremony.
“The outpouring of affection we see today is tangible evidence of the legacy that Ralph Klein leaves behind him, as Mayor, as Premier and as a Calgarian,” said Mayor Nenshi.
“On behalf of City Council and the citizens of Calgary, it is my privilege to declare today ‘Ralph Klein Day’.”
Colleen Klein was presented with a plaque commemorating the occasion and the City of Calgary flag which flew outside of city hall during Ralph Klein's tenure as Calgary's mayor.
The city has also issued a special series of photos of Ralph Klein during his tenure as Mayor.
Visit the City's Celebration for Ralph Klein page to view them.
