Halvar Jonson, a long-time Central Alberta MLA who went from being a teacher to eventually Minister of Education passed away Friday in Ponoka.
At one time he also held the Minister of Health, Environment and Intergovernmental Affairs portfolios with the governing Progressive Conservatives.
Jonson, 75, was Ponoka riding MLA from 1982 to 1986, and then when the boundaries were revised, the Ponoka-Rimbey MLA from 1993 to 2004.
Before that he was a teacher and school administrator for 18 years, mostly in Ponoka. He also was president of the Alberta Teachers Association in 1977. He earned his B.Ed and M. Ed at the University of Alberta.
The provincial government renamed the brain injury ward of Alberta Hospital Ponoka, the Halvar Jonson Centre for Brain Injury to honour Jonson’s public service.
The Association of Alberta Public Charter Schools established the Halvar Jonson Award in 2012, which is presented annually to those who have given of their time, energy, influence and expertise to enhance the success of charter schools in Alberta
Halvar is survived by his wife Maxine, three children, six grandchildren, and one sister. His funeral will take place on Friday at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, 5120-49 Avenue, in Ponoka.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wolf Creek School Division No. 72 (Halvar Jonson Scholarship Fund), the Alzheimer Society of Alberta or a charity of one’s choice. To express condolences to Halvar’s family, visit www.womboldfuneralhomes.com.