Calgary’s Jubilee Auditorium filled with prime ministers, premiers and politicians from across Canada to say goodbye to former Premier Peter Lougheed.

A six minute video tribute entitled “husband, father, grandfather and statesman” opened the memorial.   

The CBC’s Rex Murphy then took the podium, a surprise speaker not previously announced,  called Lougheed the greatest premier in Canadian history.

Premier Alison Redford, who has called Lougheed a friend and mentor, says he is the architect of the province we all call home and that his greatest gift to Alberta was that he stayed in Alberta.

She says she was personally touched when he reached out to her after she won the leadership race.

“And before offering any advice, he said five simple words, you are now my leader.” she said, “And that gesture was truly humbling. It was a humbling experience and it is one that I will remember for all my life.”

After Redford spoke, Prime Minister Stephen Harper took the stage and described Peter Lougheed as a great man.

“It is perhaps one of the most overused terms in political life, but rarely has it ever been so aptly applied as in this life, the life of Peter Lougheed.” Harper said.

Former Alberta Treasurer Jim Dinning also spoke about Lougheed.

“He and his legacy will live on forever in those of us who call Alberta home. I did work for Premier Peter Lougheed, and like so many of you and the thousands of men and women in Alberta’s professional public service who revered him. I am honoured to have served during Peter’s tenure. I’m in good company. This room is filled today with Team Lougheed.”

Lougheed’s son Stephen also took the podium, joined by the rest of the Lougheed family.

He said his father valued, above all else, good people.

Lougheed passed away in a Calgary hospital last week at the age of 84.