Monday marked the first day Albertans could personally pay their respects to a beloved former premier – by the turnout, Peter Lougheed’s love for people was clear.

“The nice line up, you see, speaks for itself,” Bert Fredette said.

When the doors opened at the Legislature Monday at 10:30 a.m., a steady stream of Albertans stretched far beyond the doors.

Those in line had their own memories of Peter Lougheed – whether it came from impressions of the former premier, or personal experience.

“At noon time he used to walk the grounds for exercise, and he would stop at everyone,” Tony Jansen, a former gardener on the Legislature grounds said. “He knew all of the workers by name.”

“He really worked for the people, he loved the people, he loved Alberta, that’s what he worked for,” Bert Fredette said Monday.

Regardless of their connection to Lougheed, they were all united in their respect and admiration for him – and his impression has reached outside of the generations he actually served as premier.

“It’s marvelous, and I’m impressed that there are so many young people here,” Cathie Crawford, whose husband was a Cabinet Minister in Lougheed’s government, said. “He’s endeared himself to all generations.”

“I think it was inspiring to see someone who had so much international experience, and so much sophistication, that wanted to bring our province much more recognition,” Jeremy Block, who works at the Legislature, said Monday.

The Legislature will be open for Albertans to pay their respects on Monday until 8 p.m., and on Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Albertans can also pay their respects for Lougheed by signing books of condolence, which will be available at the following locations throughout the province until September 28:

  • Edmonton – in the rotunda of the Legislature from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Calgary – McDougall Centre from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Fort McMurray – Oil Sands Discovery Centre (515 Mackenzie Blvd.) from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Grande Prairie – Room 2501, Provincial Building (10320 99 St.) from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Red Deer – 4th floor, Provincial Building (4920 51 Street) from 8:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Lethbridge – 2nd floor, Administration Building (909- 3 Avenue N) from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Medicine Hat – 2nd floor, Provincial Building (346 3 Street SE) from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The family has asked that instead of flowers, Albertans make a donation under Lougheed’s name – or donate their time as a volunteer.

With files from Brenna Rose