Former Alberta Premier Ralph Klein dies at age 70

EDMONTON (NEWS1130) – Ralph Klein, the popular, outspoken, ‘everyman’ premier who championed the slaying of Alberta’s multi billion-dollar debt, has died.

Alberta Health Services has announced, on behalf of Klein’s family, the former premier died on Friday. Klein, who was 70, had been battling dementia and chronic lung problems.

Klein was born and raised in Calgary. After dropping out of high school, he spent time in the reserves, then public relations.

News1130’s Jesse Johnston, who worked in Calgary, says Klein remained a character, even after leaving office.

“He wasn’t shy about berating reporters; he knew that side of it too. He was a newsman. He worked for CFCN News, one of the TV new stations there, for years,” recalls Johnston.

Klein spent ten years as a reporter, covering city hall before he decided to run for the mayor’s seat. He didn’t even tell his newsroom. His boss found out about it by reading the newspaper.

During his time as mayor, he led Calgary through the ’88 Winter Olympics. Klein moved to the legislature, and led the Tories for 14 years, winning four successive majority governments.

He used billions of dollars in energy revenues to pay off Alberta’s accumulated debt, a feat that has never been matched in Canada. However, he also shut down hospitals and laid off thousands of government workers.

Klein was known for his colourful personna.

“He took a couple of little digs at Premier Ed Stelmach,” remembers Johnston. “Next thing you know, that was a front-page story because it seemed like every time he opened his mouth, he couldn’t help it — he was probably the most quotable premier in the history of this country.”

Voters finally tired of Klein, especially after a dust-up in 2001 when he was drunk. He dealt with alcohol problems and then increasing dementia after leaving politics in 2006. He was too ill to accept the Order of Canada last year.

Statement on behalf of the Klein Family (courtesy the City of Calgary)

“My beloved husband Ralph has slipped away after 42 years of marriage, and 70 years of life.

In his public life, while many will now debate what he stood for, he himself simply believed that public service was important, that it need not be complicated, and that it revolved around people.

In his private life, his greatest gift to his family was that when the long work days were over, and he came home, it was his sanctuary, and the politics stopped at the door.

If the public will love him for all the things he did for them, his family will forever love him for all the things he meant to us.

-Colleen Klein
On behalf of the extended Klein family

Tributes coming in, following news of Klein’s passing

Prime Minister Stephen Harper says Canada has lost a significant leader with the death of former Alberta premier Ralph Klein. He says Klein played a crucial role in securing the economic success that Canada and Alberta both benefit from today.

Former Saskatchewan Premier Roy Romanow says Klein showed not only a great commitment to his province but to Canada. He says Klein’s often-flamboyant outspoken public personna was totally different from the quiet, thoughtful manner that Klein showed behind closed doors at federal-provincial conferences.

Alberta’s current premier says Klein’s ability to connect with Albertans was remarkable.

Premier Alison Redford’s full statement:

“I am truly saddened by our loss of Ralph Klein.”

“Ralph Klein’s ability to connect with Albertans from all walks of life was absolutely remarkable. He could walk from the Petroleum Club in downtown Calgary to the curling rink in St. Paul and carry on a conversation with absolutely everyone he met. Ralph was a real man of the people.”

“Ralph was a staunch defender of our province as he had a deep and abiding love for Alberta and Albertans. His vision and extraordinary political instincts provided Alberta with tremendous leadership for 14 years.”

“Condolence books will be set up in government buildings across the province where Albertans can pay tribute to former Premier Klein. In addition, an online tribute page will be available for Albertans to share their memories of Ralph. Details will be announced soon.”

“His passing is a loss to us all. On behalf of all my colleagues in the government caucus and my family, I want to offer my heartfelt condolences to his wife Colleen and their family during this very difficult time. He will be dearly missed.”