Myron Thompson, former MP, is being remembered as a consummate politician, mentor and dedicated public servant.
A longtime Sundre resident, Thompson passed away over the weekend after a battle with cancer. He was 82.
Mountain View County reeve Bruce Beattie knew Thompson for many years. He called him a man of conviction.
“I remember he was the mayor of Sundre when they brought in paved streets,” said Beattie. “We didn’t agree on everything, but he always made his points and I think everybody knows that.
“He spent his entire life working for the community, from teaching right up to being a member of Parliament and as a mayor and town councillor in Sundre.
“He had a long history of service to the public for sure. I think we will certainly miss Myron’s special way of expressing himself and making sure everyone knew exactly where he stood on an issue. Whether it was a popular issue or not, he always took a stand and stood by it.”
Thompson served as a member of Parliament, first as a Reform member and then as a Conservative, from 1993 to 2008.
He also served terms as Sundre’s mayor and as a town councillor.
Nathan Cooper, MLA for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills said Thompson’s long service to the community was commendable.
“He was certainly a larger-than-life personality,” said Cooper. “He was a passionate defender of our region and our community. He served his constituents well. He was always so committed to the people.
“He was the true definition of a public servant, someone who put the needs of himself and his family aside so that he could serve his community.”
Thompson was a former school principal and teacher in Sundre. Cooper said Thompson retained a lifelong fondness for children and education.
“I did some of my schooling in Sundre and had become familiar with Myron,” he said. “One of the things about his legacy is the time and commitment he had for young people, whether it was as a teacher or as an MP. He consistently made time for young people and youth. He was committed to the next generation of young Albertans and Canadians.”
Jason Nixon is MP for Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre.
“When I think of Myron Thompson I think his dedication to his community stands out for me,” said Nixon. “Whether you agreed or disagreed with Myron, you’d agree that he fought well for his town and his community.
“The fact that he came back to serve on town council after leaving Parliament shows his incredible dedication to public service. He played a major role in our community for the last five or six decades.”
Nixon says Thompson was a mentor and friend for many younger politicians, including himself.
“He always took the time to take him under your wing,” he said. “Myron would call you up and give you advice. He was one of a kind. As I always say, 'there can always only be one Myron Thompson.'"
UCP Leader Jason Kenney reportedly said, “It was a privilege to serve with Myron in Parliament. A true character, Myron will be deeply missed.”
Former Reform Party leader Preston Manning reportedly said, “Myron Thompson was a colourful and straightforward Westerner who well served the West, his constituents, and the country as a member of Parliament.”
Deborah Grey, the first Reform MP elected, reportedly said, “Myron was just one of a kind. He was good-natured and we just loved having him in the caucus. The reformers that came and joined me in 1993, it was like we were all on a mission and we hardly believed we got paid for it.”
Born in April 1936 in Colorado, Thompson moved to Canada in 1968 and later became a Canadian citizen.
