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Photo from the City of Grande Prairie Facebook page.
By Curtis Galbraith
City Hall

“He was a consummate gentleman and an even better friend”: Council pays tribute to Clyde Blackburn

May 17, 2021 | 8:54 PM

Some tears were shed at City Council’s Monday meeting as councillors took turns paying tribute to fellow Councillor Clyde Blackburn.

Blackburn passed away on Sunday at the age of 67. He was diagnosed with leukemia in 2019. The disease was in remission by 2020 but returned earlier this year.

Mayor Jackie Clayton says Blackburn “was always supportive on every level of work that you do.”

“He may not agree with your stance on something, but he was always willing to share his opinions. He was always an educator. He was always very encouraging and supportive.”

Clayton says she had worked with Blackburn with several other events and groups besides city council.

“Whether it be through the Street Performers Festival or his work through the Live Theatre or through the Chamber and various associations that he worked with over the years,” said Clayton.

“He was a consummate gentleman and an even better friend. He was the person that would reach out to you when you least expected it and would be willing to have a discussion in regards to whatever topic had sort of popped into his head that day.”

Prior to being elected to council in 2017, Blackburn also served as a public school trustee.

Clayton says she will always cherish the texts she got from Blackburn since she was named to the Mayor’s job, and adds he will be remembered for many things.

“Clyde and his family and (his wife) Mary have touched so many people in our community. My thoughts go out to Mary and his family at this difficult time,” said Clayton.

“Clyde is remembered in so many different areas of our community. He was a friend to so many. He was an endless, tireless volunteer in our community, and he will be dearly missed.”

His fellow councillors took turns sending condolences to his family and telling stories about working with Blackburn at the conclusion of the council meeting.

Those stories can be heard in the video below:

Courtesy: City of Grande Prairie

The meeting also started with a moment’s silence in honour of Blackburn.

Flags at city buildings will also fly at half staff.

by Curtis Galbraith