Much like Frank Sinatra famously sang, Myron Thompson built a reputation for doing things his way.
Now retired, Thompson — a former Town of Sundre councillor and mayor as well as a member of Parliament who also invested many years as an educator, starting as a teacher and eventually becoming principal of Sundre High School — was never particularly worried about potentially stirring up a controversy when his constituents’ concerns were are stake.
Challenging what he tended to refer to as the ivory towers of provincial and federal governments that he did not feel listened adequately or take to heart voters’ concerns, the conservative politician was never timid about expressing his mind.
While the commitment was one that took a toll on family life, often taking him away from his wife and kids for weeks and sometimes even months at a time, he considers his accomplished career the result of a higher calling that led him along the path of public service. He said he has no regrets — or at least too few to mention, as Sinatra would also have said.
And meanwhile, with his wife Dot providing an unwavering pillar of support, what Thompson did do, he saw it through without exemption.
From fighting for criminal justice reform, protecting children in a digital world with no shortage of unscrupulous online predators, flood protection funding, and grassroots decision-making government, Thompson dedicated his political career to speaking unapologetically for the people he represented, both locally and also around the country.
But agree or disagree with Thompson’s politics and views, we believe his steadfast commitment to serving his community and constituents and carrying their voices to the higher echelons of government was nothing less than commendably praiseworthy.
Because having beliefs is one thing. Like belly buttons, we all have them.
However, actually finding the courage to stand up for them takes a special breed.
For, to paraphrase the lyricist, Paul Anka, a man has nothing if he does not speak his heart.
So we could not possibly agree more with council’s recent decision to pay tribute to Sundre’s most famous and accomplished politician by naming First Avenue Northwest as Myron Thompson’s Way in his honour.
Simon Ducatel is the Round Up’s editor
