Tributes began pouring in moments after the announcement of former Premier Ralph Klein’s death.

The news was first announced by Klein’s family in a statement where they called his family life a sanctuary from politics.

His wife, Colleeen, wrote:

“In his public life, while many will now debate what he stood for, he himself simply believed that public service was important, that it need not be complicated, and that it revolved around people.”

Prime Minister Stephen Harper said he saw Klein as a man who was “equally at home in the Petroleum Club as he was in the St. Louis Hotel. A man who said what he believed and did what he said.”

Closer to home, current premier, Alison Redford, described Klein as a real man of the people.

“I believe he will be remembered as a man of incredible integrity, incredible honesty, someone who cared deeply for Albertans and understood that we had a role in Canada.

“When a soul like that is no longer with us there is a big gap and there will be a hole for some time to come.”

House leader, Gene Zwozdesky teared up when he said it was a big loss for the province.

“I don’t know many politicians who would really deliver on every single thing they promised to do regardless of the adversity of they may have faced, regardless of the friends they may have lost in the process. Here’s a man who gave it his all.”

NDP leader Brian Mason said he found Klein to be a tough competitor.

“The far-reaching political changes brought by Ralph Klein transformed the politics of the province and their effects will continue to be felt for decades,” he wrote in a statement.

Mason added that Klein’s “folksy charm made him well-loved by many Albertans."

In the official statement from Wildrose leader, Danielle Smith, Klein was described as a leader committed to his principles.

“As a leader, Ralph was tough enough to keep his promises, humble enough to admit his mistakes, and disciplined enough to follow through on his vision. His courageous leadership in eliminating Alberta’s budget deficit, wiping out our debt and putting money in the bank made Alberta a world leader in fiscal responsibility and paved the way for other governments to follow suit.”

Many other took to social media to pay their respects to Klein’s legacy.

While regular Albertans may not have always shared his beliefs many said he was a political force to remember.

“He wasn’t the friendliest to education," Adolf Ruiz told CTV, “but he was definitely a charismatic politician and we don’t get too many of those anymore so I think in general he will be missed.”

“We are a wealthy province and he played a large part in that," Lynda Vang conceded.

For those wanting to express their condolences the provincial PC party has set up an online forum.