Public state memorial for Norman Kwong will be in Calgary
Posted Sep 5, 2016 1:07 pm.
Last Updated Sep 5, 2016 1:11 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Alberta government has announced there will be a public state memorial for the late Norman Kwong next week in Calgary.
With more details to come, the service will be held Tuesday, Sept. 13, after a private funeral service for Kwong, who died Saturday at the age of 86.
In the meantime, books of condolences have been set up in Edmonton and Calgary, as well as an online tribute page for those who cannot sign it in person.
Albertans will be able to sign the books at the Legislature’s Rotunda and at Calgary’s McDougall Centre until the September 16.
The hours in Edmonton are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, and noon to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
The hours in Calgary are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Kwong was an Alberta pioneer in politics, business and sports, becoming the first CFL player of Asian heritage back in 1948, eventually becoming the youngest player to win a Grey Cup at the age of 18.
He would go on to have a successful business career, including becoming one of the original owners of the Calgary Flames.
He served as the province’s 16th lieutenant-governor and was a recipient of the Order of Canada.
On Sunday, Premier Rachel Notley talked about his impact.
“He was a gracious person who acted with great humility throughout his term as lieutenant-governor, but more than that, he also was able to make great strides and set an example and inspire many people from a number of different communities through his success,” she said. “He was very generous with his time and his support for many, many worthwhile causes.”
“Albertans have lost a great, great Albertan.”
