You won't be able to find Myron Thompson sitting at Sundre's council table anymore, but chances are you'll still occasionally be able to spot the ex-councillor enjoying conversation over coffee at A&W.
Following more than 50 years of public service, the former Sundre school principal, mayor and councillor who even served 15 years as a Member of Parliament decided to hang up the proverbial hat. He did not seek another term in the Oct. 16 municipal election.
"It takes a lot of time and energy," said Thompson, adding he decided the time to bow out of politics had come as he no longer felt able to fully commit himself 100 per cent.
Over the span of more than half a century, the accomplished conservative politician accumulated what could easily be described as several lifetimes worth of experiences and stories, which he gladly shares candidly and without hesitation.
"There's a lot of things that you'll never forget," he said during a phone interview when asked about his past experiences in politics.
"That's the friendships you build over the years with people you didn't know existed until you got the job."
To this day, Thompson said he continues to receive phone calls from all kinds of people he met along the way, as well as the occasional journalist's requests for comments on matters ranging from federal politics to baseball.
Although he has always enjoyed working with other community-minded volunteers who sought to make Sundre a great place to live ó even when they disagreed on local issues ó the provincial and federal bureaucrats in "ivory towers" have always been a source of frustration.
"Unfortunately, governments make decisions that maybe would be better off in the hands of local decision-makers."
After retiring from federal politics in 2008, members of the community approached Thompson to request he consider chairing the then fledgling Save Our Sundre Committee.
"That organization got together and we were doing our darndest to assist the town in getting something done on the river side park."
The result of that particular effort was the 2010 installation of protective spurs designed to mitigate the potential damage caused to the Red Deer River bridge by flooding, he said.
"That encouraged me to keep battling."
Pushing to hold the provincial and federal governments responsible for the likes of rivers that run through municipalities accountable, was always among his priorities. He was frequently very vocal about demanding additional government funding and efforts to improve flood control and mitigation.
"That's why I continued on," he said, identifying dealing with the higher levels of government as being the most challenging as well as frustrating aspect of politics.
"Why should we be mandated under one flag that this is what we're going to do because someone in Edmonton said so? I'm quite a redneck that way," he said with a chuckle.
The "one-size-fits-all" kind of regulation, such as the Municipal Government Act "just doesn't cut that much ice with me."
But while those political battles took their toll, Thompson expressed no regrets and said he relished the numerous and rewarding relationships forged along the way, appreciating the opportunity to sit at "so many different kitchen tables" to hear constituents share their stories and concerns.
His 52 years of public service breaks down to 15 years as MP, 28 years in education, as well as nine years of split service on Sundre's council, including a term as mayor in the 1970s.
Originally from Colorado, U.S. where he grew up on a family farm, Thompson met his future wife Dot who at the time was a nurse, when random life events led them to cross paths through work in Montana in 1965.
"We decided we liked each other," he said, adding they married just a year later in 1966.
The couple first came to Sundre in 1968 with plans to stay in the community only for a year.
"The rest speaks for itself," he said, adding he obtained his Canadian citizenship in 1974.
Looking to the horizon, Thompson said he is onboard with the municipality's priorities in terms of further pursuing tourism to grow and advance the community. The former MP said that despite no longer being an active member of Parliament, he still has connections that entitle him to be granted certain audiences on behalf of organizations, including the Town of Sundre, and that he is willing to keep going to bat for the community.
"I'll be available for anything that I might be needed for," he said, adding he still would like to "help out where I can."
Pleased by the quantity and quality of candidates who ran in the municipal election, Thompson said he does not believe in acclamation, and reminds local elected officials not to forget "the people who put the ëX' by your name. They're the reason you're where you're at."
He also urges residents to get more engaged in the local decision-making process.
"When there are public meetings about issues, get to those meetings. Nothing's worse than holding a public meeting over certain issues and no one shows upÖIf you have a stance, don't be afraid to speak out."
During its last meeting before the election, the outgoing council dedicated some time for presentations honouring his contributions not only to the community but Canada as well.
"I talk a lot about Myron because for me he really is a mentor and his dedication to his community is something that I strive for each day," said Jason Nixon, the Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre MLA.
"And while I don't always do it the same way he would, I do keep him in mind often as I make decisions," said Nixon, who presented Thompson with a certificate and plaque followed by a round of applause and a standing ovation from the gallery.
Each member of council also went on to share some thoughts and memories, including Mayor Terry Leslie, who fighting back a few tears told Thompson, "You're the reason that I sit here. You marched me around town and showed me that to serve in this community was a remarkable opportunityÖI owe you for your mentorship, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Thompson thanked his colleagues, and among his parting thoughts said three things in life are most important ó God, family and work.
If you can't find Thompson at A&W, chances are he might be spending some time at the Visitor Information Centre.
"I'm not dead ó just resting easier," he said recently while recovering at home from his sixth heart attack, which had a week before landed him in a Calgary hospital.
"I'm trying to set a world record ó I was told I have three to go!"
