From the moment Ralph, as a young and just-elected Mayor of Calgary, received a congratulatory call from Premier Peter Lougheed in October of 1980, Ralph knew he could always count on Premier Lougheed’s advice and counsel.
And so today on behalf of my husband Ralph and our family, I offer our deepest sympathy to the Lougheed family and to all Albertans who are grieving today. Words seem inadequate to express our sorrow, but know you are in our prayers.
While many others will speak over the coming days to Premier Lougheed’s many contributions to Canada and Alberta, I can only speak to his kindness and to the personal relationship he shared with my husband.
Ralph often reflected on their relationship built during the time they worked together as Mayor of Calgary and Premier of Alberta to bring the 1988 Olympic Winter Games to Calgary and make these games a tremendous success.
Later, when Ralph became Premier, he and former Premier Lougheed spoke on many occasions about the challenges they shared, and the Alberta they both wanted for Albertans.
Ralph, like all Albertans, understood how Peter Lougheed put Alberta on the global map, so that others, like Ralph, could follow.
We are deeply saddened that he has passed away, but grateful for the doors that he opened.
Colleen Klein
