People from across the country mourned the loss of former Alberta premier Ralph Klein on Friday and many spoke out about how he affected their lives.
People started lining up at the main doors of the Jack Singer Concert Hall early to secure a seat inside.
Sally Black met Klein on the Siksika Nation, which officially adopted him and made him an honorary chief.
“I’m really going to miss him,” said Black.
Many who attended the memorial on Friday had their own stories to tell but the common theme was that Ralph was truly a man of the people.
“I remember him as the great partier of all time,” said Andie Wolf Leg.
Sorrell is just nine and was one of the first people in line.
“We're here today because we want to show respect for someone that’s important,” said Sorrell.
Many others in line spent the time sharing their memories of a premier they loved.
“He did a lot for Calgary and a lot for the province of Alberta too. Excellent fellow,” said Linda Lou.
Patricia Ford loved his fiscal conservatism and got the chance to tell him in a rather informal setting.
“We rode the same elevator and he was going to the gym and I was going home or vice versa,” said Ford.
Ron Barge who is better known to Calgarians as Buckshot, got to know Klein through his children's show and the two remained friends.
“Many times after that we'd meet, we golfed together a few times. Just a nice man,” said Barge.
Dignitaries from across the country are hailing Klein as a great Albertan and a great Canadian but for those who voted for him again and again, he was simply known as Ralph.
(With files from Bridget Brown)
