The passing of Peter Lougheed really signifies the end of an era for Albertans. The province has been in mourning since the news last week of the death of the former premier.

Officials are preparing for a state funeral for Lougheed, who was 84, which will be held this Friday in Calgary. What a great way to honour and thank such an Alberta legend for all his contributions to our province.

Lougheed, who was married to his wife Jeanne and had four children — Stephen, Andrea, Pam, Joe, as well as seven grandchildren, was a lawyer and served as Alberta’s 10th premier from 1971 to 1985. As premier, Lougheed furthered development of the oil and gas resources and started the Alberta Heritage Fund. He also introduced the Alberta Bill of Rights.

Lougheed’s body was lying-in-state at the legislature in Edmonton and starting on Monday thousands of Albertans lined up to pay their respects to the former premier who helped to raise Alberta’s profile and helped shape the province’s politics to what it is today.

Shortly after his passing, Lougheed’s family issued a press release to all Albertans that read, “Although he was known to many for his contributions to Alberta and to Canada, his first dedication was to his family. He was a deeply caring and loving husband, father and grandfather. We will miss him terribly. Thank you to all Albertans and Canadians for their outpouring of support which has deeply touched our family.”

As for Lougheed’s state funeral, it will be held at 1 p.m. this Friday at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium in Calgary. Seating is reserved for family members, colleagues, government representatives and officials, based on official protocol. Limited seating is also available for members of the public on a first-come, first-seated basis, beginning at 10 a.m.

All attendees must be in their seats by noon. In an effort to accommodate as many people as possible, limited overflow seating has been arranged at the SAIT Polytechnic gymnasium, located within walking distance of the Jubilee, where the memorial will be broadcast live.

Members of the public are advised to proceed first to the Jubilee, and if that venue is full, they will be redirected to the overflow area. No parking is available at the Jubilee, so people attending the service are advised to use public transportation.

The service will be broadcast live across Alberta via web cast at www.alberta.ca.