Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour a remarkable Albertan. Rod Love, chief of staff to former Premier Ralph Klein, who died on Sunday, far too soon.
We are all heartbroken, especially for his lifelong love, Charlene, and their three children, James, Katie, and Haley.
More than an icon in Alberta politics, Rod was respected from coast to coast as one of Canada's very best. He had a remarkable, uncanny ability to communicate what Martha and Henry were thinking.
One of his proudest moments was when he was able to stand beside Ralph Klein and hold up the big sign on Alberta's debt that said “Paid in Full”.
Rod was acting on my local board. Just a month ago, I rode in his beloved red convertible in a parade.
I want to leave members with three Rod-isms:
Kids are proof that life is funny, but no joke.
If it is in the yellow pages, governments should not try to do it.
If it is stupid, but it works, it is not stupid.
Thanks, Rod.