Various news media are reporting that Ralph Klein has passed away at the age of 70. Mr. Klein served as Mayor of Calgary from 1980 to 1989 and Premier of Alberta from 1992 until his retirement from politics in 2006.
Despite leading the Progressive Conservatives to form four majority governments – in 1993, 1997, 2001, and 2004 – his own party turned against him in a 2006 leadership review. He announced his resignation shortly afterward.
He had suffered from numerous ailments, including temporal dementia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, since his retirement.
Here is some coverage of former Premier Klein’s passing:
Colby Cosh: Ralph Klein, R.I.P.: the deceptive shape of a shadow
Graham Thomson and Tony Seskus: Ralph Klein was unconventional, controversial, entertaining – and often underestimated
CBC: Alberta’s Ralph Klein dead at 70
Toronto Star: Former Alberta Premier Ralph Klein dies
Globe and Mail: Ralph Klein, long-time and colourful Alberta premier, has died
