Residents from across north-central Alberta, political colleagues, friends and family said goodbye to long-time MP Dave Chatters who passed away Jan. 25 following a long fight with pancreatic cancer. He was 69.
In the political spectrum it’s not always easy to come across genuine, down-to-earth people, and if anyone fit that bill, it was Dave.
So it comes as little surprise his passing drew scores of condolences. Everyone who knew the man had something good to say — whether it was from his successor Brian Storseth, whom Chatters mentored following his retirement in 2006, or current Wildrose Party leader Brian Jean, who credits Chatters as an influence to run for office in Fort McMurray-Athabasca.
Throughout his 13-year federal political career, the farmer from Jarvie, turned school board trustee, turned MP, never lost sight of his true responsibility — serving the people of Westlock.
Those who knew Dave describe him as an articulate, down-to-earth, hard-working man. And when his constituents came to him with issues, Chatters made sure they were heard in Parliament.
Whether it was when he was first elected in 1993 as MP for Athabasca-Westlock as a member of the Reform Party, or in 2005 when he made the announcement that he wouldn’t seek re-election, he was the same guy.
While in Ottawa Chatters was no backbench politician. His hard work, dedication and respect from colleagues earned him positions including Senior Opposition Critic for Natural Resources and as the Canadian Alliance House Officer.
Yet, when he was back home in the riding he was still the same Dave Chatters and was no stranger on the street, or at the grocery store.
His decision not to run in 2005 after a cancer diagnosis came as a major disappointment to his many supports.
Unfortunately, it would be the end of his political career.
In a day and age where institutionalized politicians are more common than not, it was a pleasure to have a genuine stand-up guy like Dave representing Westlock in Ottawa. Suffice to say his legacy will live on for years to come.
The News offers it sincere condolences to the Chatters family. Rest in peace Dave.
