With an impressive Grey Cup-winning football career, and a seven-year reign as Alberta premier, there was some sad news today aft6er it was announced that Don Getty had passed away at the age of 82.
Ric McIver confirmed the news on Twitter sending prayers to his family and loved ones.
So sad to learn of the passing of Premier Don Getty. A great Albertan. our prayers to his family & loved ones. #PCAA
— Ric McIver (@RicMcIver) February 26, 2016
With a playing career that spanned a decade, Getty was a football star, winning two Grey Cups as the Edmonton Eskimos quarterback, before beginning his career in politics.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of former premier and Esks QB Don Getty https://t.co/tTs1lpWQDF pic.twitter.com/cprO3ku8Ad — Edmonton Eskimos (@EdmontonEsks) February 26, 2016
Getty served as Alberta’s 11th premier from 1985 to 1992.
“It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of former Premier Don Getty,” Alberta premier Rachel Notley says in a statement.
Don distinguished himself not only in politics, but also in the worlds of sport and business, through leadership, hard work and service.
His contributions to our province are many, including his work to establish Albertans’ constitutional rights as owners of our province’s natural resources, his role in the creation of the Heritage Savings Trust Fund, the introduction of self-government for Metis settlements, and economic diversification in the sectors of forestry, tourism, technology and non-conventional energy.
Premier Getty was a dedicated Albertan. He was also a committed Canadian who worked hard to make our federation stronger.
But his greatest legacy was his support of families and the introduction of Family Day – a holiday where Alberta families could spend time together, strengthen bonds and reconnect. Several other provinces followed suit, and Family Day is now celebrated in Saskatchewan, Ontario and British Columbia.
My condolences to his wife Margaret, his family and his many friends. Our province lost a great Albertan today.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement after learning of the death of former Alberta Premier Don Getty:
I learned with sadness today of the passing of former Alberta Premier Don Getty. On behalf of all Canadians, Sophie and I offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and to the people of the province.
Mr. Getty was a gifted politician, athlete, and businessman. He guided Alberta through challenging economic times, was a strong proponent of Senate reform, and worked in close collaboration with Indigenous peoples across the province.
Over his long career of public service, Mr. Getty received many honours, including being made an Officer of the Order of Canada and a member of the Alberta Order of Excellence.
Mr. Getty was a tireless champion of strengthening Alberta’s presence in Canada. His immense contributions to both the province and the country will be honoured and remembered.
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