Sundre’s council chamber was an emotional place ahead of last week’s regular meeting during an impromptu visit by a former local politician whose reputation reached the federal stage.
Myron Thompson, who was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, attended the Dec. 3 meeting to share some thoughts, prayers as well as a few words of wisdom with his former colleagues.
Once a Town of Sundre councillor and mayor as well as a member of Parliament who also invested many years as a local educator, Thompson’s lengthy career played an influential role in the community.
Accompanied by his wife Dot as well as his late brother’s children — Laurel Quintana from Trinidad, Colo., Sharlyn Garduno from Pueblo, Colo., and Roger Thompson and his wife Darlene from Monta Vista, Colo. — he addressed council following a brief prayer offered by Sundre Royal Canadian Legion Branch #223 comrade chaplain Tim Kirby.
Upon deeper reflection after stepping down from politics and being diagnosed with cancer, Thompson said he realized that throughout his life, to some extent, his voice was a channel for God. With his Bible by his side, he said he still had some energy left and sought guidance to focus it in the right direction.
Shifting his thoughts back to the people before him, Thompson took a few moments to compose his message.
“Where to start when in a place like this?” he said.
“I’m surrounded by people I’ve known, people I’ve worked with.”
Starting with the municipality’s chief administrative officer, Linda Nelson, Thompson said that if council ever made a right decision, appointing her to the position was it.
“She’s doing a great job. I want to commend her publicly,” he said, expressing hope that council will support her.
“In turn, I know she’ll provide the support that you need back.”
Thompson said he would never forget everything she has done for him.
“You’re the top lady here,” he told a tearful, grateful Nelson.
Furthermore, of all of the department heads that Thompson worked with over the years, he said there was not one he disliked, despite any disagreements and “interesting discussions” along the way.
“It’s been a pleasure working with people like that, and it makes it easy to work with people like that — even you Cheri,” he said, addressing Coun. Cheri Funke, eliciting laughter from the humble assembly.
Recollecting a movie from the 1940s about Thomas Edison that he had recently seen, Thompson said towards the end of Edison's life he had a gathering with people to share some thoughts, and inspired by that scene, he sought to paraphrase the famous inventor.
“Remember, this is in the '40s,” said Thompson, later adding he felt the speech fits just as well today as it did then.
“He says there’s two dynamics of life going on.”
One, he said, is science, which offers the potential for a “most magnificent future to assist the public with a better way of life and easier way of living.”
The other, he continued, is love and compassion. Finding a balance between the two dynamics is crucial, as science must not be allowed to run unchecked, he said.
“Never forget the compassion and love that’s essential in everything that you do.”
Expressing his utmost confidence in council’s ability to balance the pursuit of scientific progress with a conscientious approach, Thompson said he could not have asked for a better town to call home in terms of how the community responds when there’s a need.
If the roughly 60 people who brought him food on the first day of his announcement about his declining health are any indication — his small freezer filled up quickly — Sundre is not lacking in the department of empathy, he said.
“The overabundance of compassion this town has shown time and time and time again…why would you want to live anywhere else?”
Since being diagnosed, Thompson gratefully said many people have reached out to say their thoughts and prayers are with him. But, with his voice cracking through emotion, he said his thoughts and prayers are also with the council and community.
“It’s never been more obvious to me than it has in the last little while,” he said.
“Yes, you may disagree, but do it with compassion. You may not like an idea, but do it with honour and respect…that’s strength.”
He implored council to keep residents informed and to always share with the public.
“Because they are the guys who got you where you’re sitting. Don’t ignore them, don’t be afraid to get out and shake hands.”
Redirecting away from politics, Thompson shared a personal story. One evening, in the middle of the night with Dot by his side, he said he expressed to her exasperation and felt that he could no longer go on.
“I was saying, ‘Honey, I can’t go any more, I’ve had it — I’m finished. I’ve loved you so much dear, but I’ll see you in heaven.’ She ran and phoned 911,” he said.
Still concious at the time, Thompson recalled three young Sundre Fire Department members who quickly arrived ahead of EMS, which had to travel farther to get there.
“They walked through the door, and my heart even jumped a little. I knew they were here to help me,” he said, pushing past tears.
“They knew what they were doing. They were bright.”
Turning his focus to fire Chief Marty Butts, who he had invited to attend the meeting, Thompson expressed heartfelt appreciation for the firefighter’s lifelong commitment of service.
“I believe you have done a terrific job as a fire chief for this town,” he said.
“Better yet, you’ve put that spirit in the hearts of those that are volunteering.”
Sundre should be proud of its fire department, he said.
“They saved my life. Now if that isn’t valuable, you tell me what is.”
Thompson, who knew Butts when he was a fledgling teenaged volunteer firefighter, said the chief has contributed abundantly to the community’s youth.
“Lo and behold, 30, 35 years later, he’s still doing it — that’s what commitment means.”
That same level of commitment is something Thompson said he sees among all members of council. And that despite disagreements, in the end people realize they have more in common, and at their core all love Sundre, he said.
“You work it out and you find out that you’re not really that far apart in a number of ways.”
So long as councillors invest their hearts and fully commit to their job, “the town will grow and grow in a direction you just cannot beat,” he said.
Grateful for his more than 80 years, Thompson said his life with Dot and their sons and grandchildren has been great, and said Sundre would forever be home.
“We’ll be somewhere on the hill.”
Initially reserved about the prospect of First Avenue NW being named in his honour, Thompson said a conversation with an active senior resident prompted him to reconsider. After expressing doubt that he deserved the honour, he said she told him never to say that again.
“Boy, did I get a lecture,” he said fondly, adding the two then shared a hug.
Expressing his appreciation to council for its decision, he accepted the honour.
“Just remember. When you drive down that road, the speed limit is 40 (kilometres per hour). It is not 50, or 60,” he said, drawing some laughter.
“And I’ll be watching!”
