Ralph Klein suffering from Dementia.

[Huntingwhale]

Pretty sad news. I lost my Grandfather to a form of dementia this past fall. It was really tough seeing someone who lived such a full and productive life, be left to a former shell of himself. The one thing I am grateful for is that once he was diagnosed, his passing was quick and didn't linger on. Best wishes to the family.

[Mean Mr. Mustard]

At this point in time it is going to be a blessing when he does die - one can only hope that it is quick and painless.

[calgarywinning]

Dementia has to be one of the worst possible diseases. I wish Mr. Klein as much easement as possible. Very sad.

[kirant]

Figured it was bumped for this reason, right?
http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/former-...-ill-1.1203563

Former Alberta Premier Ralph Klein, who has been battling dementia and lung disease in recent years, has been moved to palliative care.


Don Martin, the host of CTV’s Power Play and the author of a book on Klein, took to Twitter Wednesday to report that the former premier is in the late stages of his illnesses.

I wish the best for Klein and family. This has got to be horrible from all sides.

[RedMileDJ]

Ralph was the best. I would have loved to have the chance to have a beer with him.

Dementia sucks. Lost a few family members to it. Hopefully this goes quick and painless for Ralph.

Here's to King Ralph. Cheers!

[mrvee]

I was at the esso 2 years ago and he was just wandering around lost.
The attendant called EMS and they escorted him away.
We will never be able to replace King Ralph.(Always shot from the hip)

[Ducay]

Agreed or disagree with his policy choices, there's no denying the guy was a badass politician, and probably the last of his kind. Politics are too "PC" now to have a man of his character in charge of such a powerful province.

Thoughts are with the Klein family

[TheCommodoreAfro]

Was the first mayor of the city when I moved west to Calgary back in the 80's. Wasn't really much for politics being a kid but I don't think there was much to hate when he was the mayor.
But now facing dementia and COPD - that's really rough - both slow degenerative diseases affecting different parts of the body. If he's in hospice hope it's not for long.

[CaptainCrunch]

Great politician and tough, plus he had the guts to burn down the Calgarian not once but twice.

[4X4]

I watched my grandmother die this way. It really is a terrible way to go. Not only do you forget who you are, but you also forget most everyone else. My grandmother completely didn't know me or any of the grandchildren anymore, and only recognized her sons. People with dementia sometimes end up being really rude to people that are trying to help them, like the staff at the home. Obviously it's not intentional, but man, old people with dementia can say some pretty awful things to people. Way worse things than 'get a job', or 'eastern bums and creeps'.

I bet if Ralph could have one lucid thought right now, he'd ask his family to take him behind the barn and shoot, shovel, and shut up.

All the best, Ralph and family.

[Slava]

Nm, confirmed to be false.

[taffeyb]

I still remember his slogan for his first mayoral race..."It's time, Ralph Klein for mayor"

[MoneyGuy]

Originally Posted by Slava

One report on twitter says he has passed away, but I have no idea how reliable that is.

It's fake.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by MoneyGuy

It's fake.

Ya, just came here to take that down.

[Rudee]

Originally Posted by Est1980

Love the guy. Best Premier in our history. I bet even in his condition, he could still school the provincial Tories on how to balance a budget.

Ralph was a great guy, but Peter Lougheed was the best Premier Alberta has ever had.

[malcolmk14]

Ralph Klein is the reason I want to go into public service later in life. When I was growing up, I admired the man. I've met quite a few politicians throughout my life but none left a lasting impact on me more than the time I met Mr. Klein. That's weird to even say Mr. Klein, the guy was so affable that the entire province was on a first name basis with him.

I was just sitting at a table with two friends in a random public place, and Mr. Klein came right up and said hello, and introduced himself like we didn't already know who he was. It was the most genuinely bizarre situation I've ever been in, but he happily engaged us in a conversation before he excused himself and wandered off.

I didn't know what to make of it for years afterward, and to this day I have no idea what I said to him or him to me. But the former Premier of our province just sat down with some 20 year old nobodies for five minutes and shot the breeze, I think that was pretty cool.

[rayne008]

Played Carribean Stud with him a few times @ the Elbow Casino, probably about 8 - 10 years back... Always struck me as just a mind escape for him, as he always had low bets and that game is one where the odds suck, but has a nice slow pace to it.

It saddens me to hear he is in his final days, as he is a stand up guy in my books.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by malcolmk14

Ralph Klein is the reason I want to go into public service later in life. When I was growing up, I admired the man. I've met quite a few politicians throughout my life but none left a lasting impact on me more than the time I met Mr. Klein. That's weird to even say Mr. Klein, the guy was so affable that the entire province was on a first name basis with him.

I was just sitting at a table with two friends in a random public place, and Mr. Klein came right up and said hello, and introduced himself like we didn't already know who he was. It was the most genuinely bizarre situation I've ever been in, but he happily engaged us in a conversation before he excused himself and wandered off.

I didn't know what to make of it for years afterward, and to this day I have no idea what I said to him or him to me. But the former Premier of our province just sat down with some 20 year old nobodies for five minutes and shot the breeze, I think that was pretty cool.

That is Ralph in a nutshell. He simply liked everybody for the most part. Good on ya for following his inspiration.

As I have mentioned in the past, I have known the man since i was a young boy. Hell, he "babysat" at times while my single mother (at the time)was working a second job one night a week. Many laughs with him.

As i grew into a teenager and then a young man, i didnt see him as often as he got into the mayors office, but he would always ask about me when my mom and stepfather would go visit or vice versa. On my 21st birthday he surprised me by showing up to a little gathering my folks threw. Had a blast with him even then. So many stories through the years.

Though i havnet seen him now in several years, I will always have a very special spot for him. Going to miss the old guy just knowing he is no longer around...but also take solace that he is no longer suffering from one nasty disease that has robbed him of what should have been his golden years. This really sucks.

[Minnie]

I really disliked him at first. Then I slowly realized what an incredible thing he was doing with/for our province and he grew on me, so to speak. When he decided to retire, I was really disappointed and worried, hoping the next guy didn't frack it up and ruin all of Klein's work (which of course he did).

I am sad for him and for his family.

[Ozy_Flame]

He hasn't passed yet? Or am I wrong?