O.R. Sheddy
Like most, we were saddened to learn of the passing of former Alberta Premier Ralph Klein last week, and again, like most, the news brought back a lot of memories about a man who was probably the most unlikely Premier we have ever had in this province.
The video that many remember seeing in early years is Klein in typical wrinkled, black raincoat somewhere on the streets of Calgary, delivering a bit to CFCN news for the evening telecast. His manner was refreshing, he loved to poke fun at politicians of the day and got under the skin of most of them, to the delight of the average Calgarian. Because that was what he was, an average Calgarian. And when he decided to run for civic politics, he came into the Mayor’s office voted in by average Calgarians, because pundits of the day gave him little or no chance of winning. But win he did, and then moved into provincial politics and continued his success at the polls, ultimately delivering four successive PC governments by convincing majorities.
Ralph made several trips to Drumheller and area during his years in politics, and we honestly think he liked coming here. One time he was here for a fundraiser, and arrived early enough for a tour of the area. Later in the day as he addressed the gathering of the party’s converted, he told them “I like coming to Drumheller, happy hour starts at 2!”
This writer knew Ralph best on the golf course, and was fortunate enough to play with him three times. He was a keen golfer, though not especially a good one. For a Premier to arrange a day on the golf course, it would usually take a monumental logistics effort because of his busy schedule, and the security required for five or six hours when he was on the course, plus an expected visit to the 19th hole. We do recall that he was always interested in what was happening in Drumheller, who was the mayor of the day, plus he always knew something that you didn’t. The Royal Tyrrell Museum always came up during the discussion, and it was obvious that his Minister in charge of the Museum had briefed him prior to the visit, or in Caucus.
One particular hot day in Stettler, at a golf fundraiser for former Deputy Premier Shirley McClellan, he was getting a bit red in the face from the sun. One of the security people suggested, “Boss, maybe you should put on some sunscreen.” (He was called the “Boss” by his inner circle, and there was no doubt he enjoyed the name). Klein disappeared in to the washroom and came out looking like Casper the Ghost to the laughter of those around, having applied way too much lotion.
There is no doubt he will be missed. He could make a lifelong friend in a heartbeat, and had thousands of them. He was good for the Province and his popularity easily outdistanced any other Canadian politician. He had different ways to do things, but yet became very effective at getting things done. Ralph was one of the “good guys”
Rest easy, old friend.
ORS
