Former St. Albert mayor and MLA Richard Fowler was honoured one last time by the provincial legislature he once served on Tuesday.

Speaker Gene Zwozdesky spoke of both Fowler and former premier Peter Lougheed just before Question Period of the first session of the 28th Legislature. Fowler’s widow Dawne, some of his children and other family were in attendance.

“It meant a great deal to me,” Dawne said after the ceremony. “It’s nice having my husband recognized. I think he’s made a huge contribution to our community and I think it’s nice to see the legislature honour former members.”

Fowler, who served twice as mayor of St. Albert from 1965 to 1968 and 1980 to 1989, and as MLA from 1989 to 1993, died in July three days after being admitted to hospital. He was 80.

Fowler was recognized along with Lougheed by Zwozdesky in a long-standing tradition of the legislature. Members who pass away between sessions are recognized at the beginning of the next session of the legislature.

Dawne said Fowler was very sociable and would often attend functions for retiring MLAs so he could catch up with acquaintances.

“Dick always enjoyed that.”

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