I never had the pleasure of meeting Ralph Klein face to face but I was able to attend several functions where he was a guest and I was always impressed by his down-home, gung-ho, let’s get ’er done style of politics.
His remarkable and often tumultuous and flamboyant career included eight years as the Mayor of Calgary and 17 years as a Tory member of the provincial government, including 14 as our premier from 1992-2006. Ralph Klein died March 29th at the age of 70 following a lengthy illness. He will be fondly remembered, admired, and respected by just about everyone, whether you were a colleague, the opposition, a friend, a foe, or all the rest of us who so proudly call ourselves Albertans.
Throughout his colorful political career he affectionately became known to all of us as King Ralph, and right from the beginning was never afraid to passionately stand up for what he believed was best for all Albertans, no matter what. Klein, who in his early years was a road contractor, member of the RCAF, principal of Calgary Business College, and CFCN News anchor, was a man who always managed to stand out in a crowd, loved to mix it up on any issues and agendas, and usually took the time to stop and chat with everyone on just about any subject. Along the way this humble family man was also a great character who wore his heart on his sleeve, and out on the job was never afraid to lock horns with all levels of government on issues that were of vital importance to the communities, the province, and the nation that he represented.
In most cases his tough but true words and opinions came across as unfiltered, uncensored, and totally honest but when the debate was over there was always an invitation to stop and share lunch, a beer, a smoke, or a game of golf. In his unique and unflappable fashion Ralph always patiently listened to lots of opposition but then quite boldly and verbally declared, “This is what has to be done, so get out of my way and let’s do it,” but always stressing Alberta must live within its means and balance the books. We must never forget that during his leadership Alberta became debt free, and so prosperous and progressive that he even cut us all a bonus cheque.
Along the way he led the charge for Calgary to exceed a population of one million, helped to host a Winter Olympic Games, as well as to achieve ongoing successes, growth and prosperity that will carry on long into the future of the Stampede City. Once Ralph Klein reached the provincial government playground as a Conservative MLA, he would continue to be heard and would be quickly elected, several times to the lofty position of premier. There were many promises along the way but no matter how tough they were to keep, Klein always remained true to his word and his convictions, admitted when mistakes were made and eventually found a way and usually achieved what would be best and beneficial to all facets and age groups and all walks of life in our great Province of Alberta.
Perhaps our present and future governments, both provincial and federal, should take a page out of Ralph Klein’s powerful political adventures and successes, stressing such vital priorities as education and health services for each and every citizen, fiscal restraint as well balancing the books to assure a debt-free and prosperous future that will benefit all of us.
There is no doubt that many of us watched Ralph Klein’s memorial last week in Calgary, and were impressed by the countless tributes, testimonials, and stories that were fondly presented by past political leaders, colleagues, dignitaries and friends. Of course he may have upset a few people along the way in “Ralph’s World,” but above all, his strong and undying political courage and conviction for the taxpayers of Alberta will never be forgotten.
Thank you Ralph — you were truly a one of a kind first class leader and quality character!
I won’t say a thing about spring this week because I really called it wrong last week but keep your boots on for just a little while longer and have a great week, all of you!
— HAMMERTIME