Hundreds gathered Friday afternoon at St. Albert’s Holy Family Parish to celebrate the life of Richard “Dick” Fowler, former St. Albert mayor, MLA and provincial court judge.
“We are all blessed for knowing him and hopefully a little better,” said son James Fowler.
Fowler, 80, died Sunday, June 8 from complications resulting from pneumonia, which he contracted in November.
James and his brother Stuart shared memories of their father with the hundreds of friends, family and community members attending the funeral mass. The occasion was marked with several humorous childhood recollections and concluded with an emotional farewell.
“Nothing seemed to make him more excited or animated than talking politics with friends, family,” Stuart said. “There was no question he got his energy from politics and public service.”
His lengthy political career included terms as St. Albert’s mayor at two different times, first in the 1960s and again in the ’80s, and a single term as St. Albert MLA, which left him living much of his life in the public eye.
“He cherished the opportunity and often said it was the best job he’s ever had in his life, and Dad had a lot of jobs,” James said, adding he worked as a heating and cooling salesman, after failed attempts at joining the police force and air force.
After his time in politics, Fowler spent 13 years as a provincial court judge, retiring in 2007 just one day before his 75th birthday.
Despite his passion and dedication to political life, James said that his father’s true passion was family.
“Dad loved family and was in his element when surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Nothing made him feel more content,” he said.
Fowler had six children and two stepchildren, with a total of 13 grandchildren.
Local dignitaries, including St. Albert MLA Stephen Khan, Edmonton-St. Albert Member of Parliament Brent Rathgeber and Mayor Nolan Crouse, were present at the funeral.
Flags flew at half-mast at both the Edmonton legislature grounds and St. Albert city hall the day of Fowler’s funeral.
