Peter LOUGHEED

LOUGHEED, E. Peter
July 26, 1928 - September 13, 2012
Alberta and Canada lost a statesman, a leader and a visionary when Peter Lougheed passed away peacefully in Calgary on an Alberta blue sky day, on September 13, 2012. Our family lost our beloved husband, dad, and grandfather. We celebrate his life, and live in gratitude for his love and presence.
As with anyone of such stature and accomplishment, the stories of the personal man and the family man are as numerous as those recorded publicly. These we hold dear and with a great sense of blessing.
Peter Lougheed was born and raised in Calgary on July 26, 1928, the son of Edgar Donald Lougheed and Edna Alexandria Bauld of Halifax, Nova Scotia.
He felt connected to his Nova Scotia roots, but it was through his grandparents, Lady Isabella and Sir James Lougheed, that he inherited his pioneer spirit and strong sense of community service. They were instrumental in weaving the fabric of Calgary's rich and growing civic and cultural life in their day. Peter grew up in the Depression, which through its profound impact, instilled in him a strong sense of social responsibility and the importance of interconnectedness within a community.
A natural leader, Peter was both a scholar and an athlete. He grew up playing team sports, as he would say, "365 days a year." As a young boy his buddies could count on "Pete LaHeed" to lead the charge and "call the game". Lifelong friendships were forged, and lessons in teamwork deeply ingrained through his involvement in sports during those early, formative years.
Peter earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1950, followed by his Bachelor of Laws in 1952 from the University of Alberta. He wore his U of A ring all his life. During his time at the U of A he played football for the Golden Bears, was a proud Delta Upsilon fraternity member and President of the Students' Union. He also played two seasons for the Edmonton Eskimos as a running back, proudly wearing the Number 30. He may have been small, but he was fast.
Peter met the love of his life, Jeanne Rogers at the U of A 'Tuck Shop'. It was through Mom's eyes, who was trained in the fine arts, that he learned to appreciate the world of music, ballet, opera and theatre. To gain her attention 'Peter the jock' started going to concerts and performances. Jeanne taught Peter to love arts and culture - though she couldn't quite teach him to sing in key - and Peter taught Jeanne to appreciate sports, although she never attempted the spiral toss.
Peter and Jeanne were married in Edmonton in 1952, and moved to Boston where Peter completed his MBA at the Harvard Business School while Jeanne supported him. After returning to Calgary in 1954 they started their family and were soon blessed with their four children; Stephen (Mary), Andrea, Pam (Frank Stack), and Joe (Vivian Kolias Lougheed). Peter and Jeanne celebrated their 60th anniversary last June.
Peter began his law career in Calgary with Fenerty, Fenerty, McGillivary, Prowse & Brennan. After several years he left Fenerty and joined Mannix Co. Ltd. as General Counsel. Peter's work for Mannix took him around the world and expanded his awareness of Alberta's potential on the global stage. Fred Mannix was both a mentor and a friend to him. Peter went on to become a mentor to many. He later returned to private legal practice.
Peter's energies soon moved to politics and in 1965 he was elected leader of a small political party that held no seats in the provincial legislature. With his entrepreneurial spirit and optimistic character he put the lessons of the playing field, student politics, business and law to work on building a team, a vision, and an action plan that resonated with the citizens of Alberta. During the 20 years under his leadership the Alberta Progressive Conservative Party won four successive majority governments between 1971 and 1982. Peter served 14 years as the Province's 10th Premier. He profoundly loved this land and was honoured to serve the people of Alberta and Canada.
The magnitude of his accomplishments during his public life are rivaled only by the immense volume of loving memories held forever in the hearts of his children and grandchildren. As committed as he was, he always had quality time for his family. We all loved our ski trips, bike rides and precious family time at the Banff cottage. He taught us to throw (and some of us, to catch) a football. With Mom we attended concerts, and with Dad we cheered on our favorite sports teams. He was our enthusiastic cheerleader and supporter at dance recitals, band concerts, basketball games and track meets. He was friend and mentor. We learned so many life lessons from him through how he lived his life: with integrity, compassion, a genuine curiosity, and a belief there was always a solution to a problem. Most of all he treated everyone he met with respect.
Peter and Jeanne were blessed with seven grandchildren; Kathleen, Meredith, Eryn, Trevor, Dylan, James and Cleo. They loved sharing ice cream and stories, and most especially, his hugs. They loved their Papa. The grandchildren would like Papa to know...
"We are so grateful we have you to carry in our hearts for the rest of our lives.�
We as a family have been overwhelmed and humbled by the love and public outpouring since Dad's passing. And as we have become aware of the magnitude of those whose lives he touched, we realize how fortunate we were to have had a husband, dad and grandfather who gave to us first, but had enough for so many others. That's how big and bright his spirit was - and will remain.
A Memorial Service will be held at The Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium (1415 - 14 Avenue N.W., Calgary, AB) on Friday, September 21, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.
Our father's charitable interests were many, and included sports, health, education, our parks and public spaces and our culture. The Banff Centre and the Lougheed House Conservation Society were particularly special to him. In lieu of flowers, any donations or volunteer actions that support his charitable interests would continue to fulfill his hopes and vision for Alberta and Canada.
In living memory of Peter Lougheed, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.