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Longtime central Alberta politician Judy Gordon passes away

Gordon served as Lacombe mayor and MLA for Lacombe-Stettler
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Longtime central Alberta politician Judy Gordon has passed away. (Advocate file photo)

Judy Gordon, a staple in central Alberta politics for more than 20 years, has passed away.

Gordon was elected as Lacombe mayor in 1989. She then moved into provincial politics – in 1993, when she became the Lacombe-Stettler MLA. She held that position for three terms.

After retiring from provincial politics in 2004, she returned to the municipal stage, winning the mayor’s seat in 2005.

Gordon won her third mayoral term in 2007 by acclamation and eventually announced her retirement in 2010.

In an interview with the Red Deer Advocate in 2010, Gordon said she enjoyed her whole political career, both provincial and municipal.

READ MORE: Gordon reflects on political career

On Thursday, current Lacombe Mayor Grant Creasey said he was “saddened” to hear of Gordon’s passing.

“Judy served the community with distinction for her entire career, inspiring many others to serve. I always admired her can-do approach to municipal politics and appreciated her insight,” Creasey said.

“Lacombe continues to be a shining example of success due to her work as mayor. I know I speak on behalf of council and the City of Lacombe when I say she will be dearly missed.”

Blaine Calkins, Red Deer-Lacombe MP, made a statement regarding Gordon’s passing in the House of Commons Thursday during the members’ statements portion of the question period.

“Judy was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, mayor, MLA and an incredible woman,” Calkins said.

“She loved politics and for more than 20 years she dutifully served the people of central Alberta. She was passionate about her community and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the people she served.”

Calkins said Gordon loved the “small victories” and the opportunity to be a champion for the people she represented.

“I had the privilege of serving with Mayor Gordon. She was tough, but fair, and I will forever be grateful for her counsel and her friendship,” he said.

“While Judy has left us here, the actions of her servant heart live on in her accomplishments, in the people she touched and in her family. Rest in peace, Judy.”



sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com

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Longtime central Alberta politician Judy Gordon has passed away. (Contributed photo)


Sean McIntosh

About the Author: Sean McIntosh

Sean joined the Red Deer Advocate team in the summer of 2017. Originally from Ontario, he worked in a small town of 2,000 in Saskatchewan for seven months before coming to Central Alberta.
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