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Lest We Forget
Wednesday, November 4, 2020 Vol. 43, No. 45
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Don Mazankowski remembered - Canada’s 4th Deputy Prime Minister born in Viking Patricia Harcourt Editor
Former MP and Deputy Prime Minister Don Mazankowski was born in Viking 85 years ago and made a storied and highly respected political career out of serving his community and country. His passing on October 28 was met with glowing tributes about that career as well as his personal attributes. Those who spoke of him emphasized his integrity and principles, a man who won people over with a ready smile for everyone. “While Canadians knew him as Canada’s 4th Deputy Prime Minister, and a long-time federal cabinet minister, to his friends and colleagues he was known simply as ‘Maz.’ However, first and foremost he was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, a legacy that he shared with his partner in life, his wife Lorraine,” read part of a statement from the family on the day of his passing. The family statement called him “a compassionate and steadfast family man born in Viking Alberta. He spent his life dedicated to his loved ones and public service. He will be greatly missed.” Mazankowski and four siblings were born to U.S. immigrants of Polish descent, Frank and Dora Mazankowski, and lived on the family farm near Viking. The children, including Albina, Leona, Ray, Emil and Don, got their education in a one-room school called Cobourg. Don went on to start his business life as the owner of a service station in Innisfree until 1959, when he moved to Vegreville and opened a car dealership with his brother, Ray. But his political career began after meeting John Diefenbaker, when he became inspired to run for office. In 1968 at the age of 33, he became Member of Parliament for Vegreville under the Progressive Conservative banner and served there for the next 25 years. His first roles were as transportation and economic critic while his party sat in Opposition. In 1979, he served under Prime Minister Joe Clark as Minister of Transport, and redrafted the National Transportation Act to reduce regulatory burdens on businesses. The PCs won the federal election under Prime Minister Brian Mulroney in 1984, and Mazankowski again served as Minister of Transport, government House Leader (1986-88) and Finance Minister (19911993).
Then in 1986, he was appointed Canada’s 4th Deputy Prime Minister, a role he held until his retirement in 1993. In that year, he was conferred the title of “Right Honourable.” His proud family says that this was “a unique and appropriate honour for a person who gave so much to his country.” In a tribute the day after his passing, Mulroney recalled how Mazankowski became known as, “the minister of everything.” He paid a large tribute to his former minister speaking of Mazankowski’s abilities but also of a likeability factor which won over people of many political persuasions. Mazankowski served the Vegreville Constituency for 25 years, successfully running in seven general elections. Throughout his political career, he and his wife of 62 years, Lorraine, raised a family and stayed true to their rural roots often travelling to the home area for local events. “He devoted his life to public service for the betterment of his nation; he was a man of faith and was widely known as a humble and principled man - a man who garnered respect from all who met him and who was genuinely liked and admired by all,” stated his obituary eulogy. His legacy includes the $217 million Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute at the University of Alberta Hospital, which opened in 2008. “Don Mazankowski was a truly great Albertan who loved and served his community and country without reserve,” said Alberta Premier Jason Kenney. Upon his death Oct. 28, flags at the Alberta Legislature were lowered to half-mast, in Mazankowski’s honour. The accolades kept coming after his political retirement in 1993. In 2000, he was named Officer of the Order of Canada and, in 2013, was presented the insignia of Companion of the Order of Canada. He also received an Honourary Doctor of Engineering Degree from the Technical University of Nova Scotia and an Honourary Doctor of Laws Degree from the University of Alberta. In 2003, he was inducted into the Alberta Order of Excellence as a “champion in Canadian and Alberta politics.” There will be a funeral held for family only due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is expected that a public memorial and celebration of Mazankowski’s life will take place later when circumstances permit.
Due to the observance of Remembrance Day, the next edition of The Weekly Review will distribute on Thursday, November 12
Page 2 - The Weekly Review, Wednesday, November 4, 2020
Local Remembrance day services limited due to pandemic Patricia Harcourt Editor
The year 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II and it is certain the commemoration of this historic event would have been a huge undertaking…but for COVID-19. As it is, Remembrance Day services on November 11 will be limited this year in local communities, and across the country, due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions. The 75th anniversary marks a truly historic chapter in the annals of history making its commemoration even more significant than usual even if it takes a different form due to the pandemic. The signing of the armistice on May 7, 1945, defeating the Nazi terror after a six-year war in Europe was the first cause to celebrate. V-E Day was born the next day as mil-
lions celebrated. Three months later the war in the Pacific also officially ended. As 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the war’s end, local Legions in Viking and Holden are doing their best to continue their legacy of honouring the fallen who made it possible. The Viking Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 81 Remembrance Day services will be closed to the public, but Legion President Elehda Sevcik says they can be observed online. “It’s going to be a little different,” she said, “It’s not open to the public,” and this year will be held at Golden Valley Lutheran Church starting at 10:30 a.m. The services are by invitation only, with no guest speakers this year based on Dominion restrictions. “There will be a few dignitaries, members and their families,” she said, and the services will be
live streamed through the church’s website so people can watch it virtually. The Legion had always served a luncheon and supper on this day as a way of embracing the community, but that will not be happening either, “which is unfortunate because it is a big year,” said Sevcik, referring to the 75th. Viking School has traditionally had a Remembrance Day service as well but this year it will be an in-house ceremony, says Principal Adam Madsen. “As a school we will not be holding an assembly event as we usually would,” he stated. “We usually have a speaker from the Canadian Armed Forces through the National Veterans’ Week Speakers Program, but instead we have received some video resources through the program which will be shown to students in classrooms (different videos have
been provided for different age ranges). “We will then have our typical moment of silence portion using the school intercom to play the appropriate prompts for beginning and ending the moment of silence,” said Madsen. “It will be different than usual and we will eliminate any crosscohort gatherings, but we will still be having a Remembrance Day ceremony.” The Holden Legion Branch No. 56 will be holding an outdoor service only at the Cenotaph that is open to the public, if restrictions are observed. Only the Colour Party will march from the Legion to the Cenotaph. Four wreaths will be laid from the federal and provincial governments, the Legion and the Legion Ladies Auxiliary. Businesses, groups and individuals can lay their wreaths after the ceremony has concluded and
people have dispersed. They will be acknowledged during the ceremony. This year, there will be no program held inside the Paragon Theatre as in previous years, and no pot-luck lunch will be held at the Legion. “In order for us all to be safe, we request that masks be worn and physical distance be maintained. We hope that by next year we will be able
to return to our traditional Remembrance Day ceremony,” stated the Holden Legion. “In these difficult and confusing times, we would like to thank everyone for their continuing support.” In Irma, there are no Remembrance Day services scheduled to take place. These ceremonies are usually held at the school, which will be closed from Nov. 9 to 13 this year.
29th Annual
Saturday, November 7 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday, November 8 Noon to 4 pm
Budding Ideas & Paw Prints
FLOWERS & GIFTS
MAIN STREET, KILLAM
CUSTOM FRAMING
Indulge your Inner Child! Look for us on FB for a sneak peek & COVID related guidelines
We see profit sharing. The Town of Viking sees financial fitness. Last year, Vision returned more than $12.5 million in profit share payouts to our members. The Town of Viking got $1742. Mayor Ritchie says the Town put their share towards the debenture for the local Carena, which has an ice rink, play structure, walking track and gym. Supporting the local rec complex with profit shares is a good way to help keep the town’s finances – and its residents – in good shape, says Mayor Ritchie.
whatsyourshare.ca Real people. Real results.
The Weekly Review, Wednesday, November 4, 2020 - Page 3
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Page 16 - The Weekly Review, Wednesday, November 4, 2020
Fill the Tree! We’re again raising money for the Food Bank & Community Christmas Hamper Program this year! With a minimum $5 donation, you can add your name to the tree! (donation amount not
Cash or Cheque only. Stop by The Weekly Review office in Viking or mail your donation to: Box 240, Viking, AB T0B 4N0
Weekly Review; Eric & Ally published) Anderson; Pat Harcourt; K Kerry & Michelle, Brennan, Garrett Anderson; Dustin Moroz & Alie Wagar; Dudley & Jennifer Lund; Gerald & Carol Kalynchuk; G Ron & Doreen Mizera; Freda Otto; Gerard & Dolly Wadley; Sonya Son Maxwell; Lydia Hanson; Karen Kare Coulombe; Irene Toverud; Morris & Paulette Erickson; M L. L Hnybida & Penny Teske;
Last 3 years, we’ve raised $4,979! It’s been a tough year, let’s do what we can again for those in need!
O T E T A N O PLEASE D ! E S U A C T A E R G S I H T ! D E E N N I E S O H T HELP
We don’t keep a single dime. It ALL goes to the right place!