`Quiet leadership' in the arts influenced `Alberta's Camelot'
Well-known Albertan and arts supporter Jeanne Lougheed died Sunday evening at the age of 92.
Lougheed, who is known to Albertans as the wife of the late Peter Lougheed, a former Alberta premier, had continued to impact the lives of Albertans long after her husband's time in public office through her support of the arts.
Jeanne Lougheed, who was born in Forestburg in 1928, grew up in Camrose with her family.
She attended the University of Alberta, which is where she met Peter.
The two were married and she played an integral role in supporting Peter as he pursued a career in politics, becoming premier of Alberta in 1971 as leader of the Progressive Conservative Party.
Jeanne's love for local art and culture influenced Alberta's art policy from the start of Peter's 15 years leading the province. The policy created a time of unprecedented growth for the provincial arts sector.
She displayed “quiet leadership behind the scenes,” convincing Peter to introduce a minister of culture for the first time in Alberta and consistently reminding him that leading the province wasn't only about the economy, said family friend and former Member of Parliament Lee Richardson.
“Right from Day 1, when they met at the U of A, he took her to the football game and she took him to the ballet.
That's how it went with them,” said Richardson in an interview on Monday.
“They showed up to so many events. Peter and Jeanne Lougheed walked in; they went to the symphony and to the ballet. It became prestigious and gave it a cachet that it didn't have before.”
Richardson said it was a turning point for Alberta's arts sector and Jeanne's actions then and since have continued to inspire local arts and culture.
Premier Jason Kenney released a statement on Monday expressing his sadness in Jeanne's death.
“Jeanne was best known to Albertans as the wife of one of Canada's most highly regarded Premiers, the late Peter Lougheed (who died in 2012.) By all accounts, Jeanne was both his best friend and closest adviser,” said Kenney.
She had a great sense of humour and cared deeply for others, friends said.
Jeanne's passion for Alberta arts and culture helped to form an important part of the Lougheed legacy.
Her compassion for others inspired her to ensure Albertans with disabilities could enjoy a barrier-free mountain experience at the William Watson Lodge in Kananaskis. The lodge, which was opened in 1981, was designed to accommodate all ages, abilities and cultures.
“Jeanne's passion for Alberta art and culture helped to form an important part of the Lougheed legacy, leading author Fil Fraser to identify her as being the key figure responsible for a flourishing in the creative industries that he called `Alberta's Camelot',” said Kenney.
Jeanne Lougheed will also be remembered for her love of her family, including her children, Stephen, Andrea, Pamela and Joe, and her grandchildren.
The flags at the Legislative Assembly and Macdougall Centre will fly at half-mast this week in remembrance of Jeanne Lougheed.