The Muse and Views

Many people shy away from community involvement because they don’t see how one person can make a difference. Sexsmith, Alberta, said goodbye Saturday to someone who will leave a powerfully lasting impression on many, including me.

I admired Mayor Claude Lagace greatly.

Claude was not an imposing figure. Nor was he renowned as an orator. He was a man of few words. His actions spoke much louder than talk. But when he did speak up, people listened.

His humility was such that he didn’t want a funeral yet his passion and dedication were so strong that few knew he was battling cancer for the last eight years.

I certainly had no idea when I last saw him in June at a regional municipalities’ event I hosted on behalf of the City of Grande Prairie. Even as his health was waning, Claude was there to lead a delegation from the Town.

I’m glad Claude’s family and Council colleagues over-ruled him about having a service. He worked tirelessly for his residents and represented his own municipality fiercely. At the same time, Claude recognized the importance of initiatives that would benefit residents across the region.

His contributions deserved to be recognized.

He was beloved by colleagues on Council, even those who he waged heated discussions with. Councillor Jonathan Siggelkow told those attending Saturday’s service that, “This is Claude’s town.”

He told me at the reception following the service that it wouldn’t be the same without Claude. “He kept us all together.”

Municipal employees shared that the Mayor treated them as an extension of his family – to the point he’d pull pranks on them – and Chief Administrative Officer Rachel Wueschner said she sees him as a father figure because of the care and example of service he provided to staff.

In her remarks at the service, Rachel noted the Mayor wouldn’t mince words when he wanted to make a point. An “I don’t give a shit” would be followed by a long list of to do’s and he’d be sure to take charge as needed.

“I sometimes would bite my tongue if I felt the town had been slighted because I knew Claude would go on the warpath, even if that meant going to a Minister,” she said.

I’ve worked with elected officials throughout my career as a journalist, employment in school board and municipal communications roles, work in an intergovernmental affairs position, and as a communications consultant.  His class, integrity, character, and respectfulness were second to none.

Claude came across as a humble yet strong leader – one who welcomed you to his community as if beckoning you to his home.

He had a gleam in his eye and a wry sense of humour, credited for helping him stickhandle through arguments with his wife, Noreen.

Rod Masterson, who emceed the service, eloquently explained leadership via scripture.

“The greatest among you will be your servant.”  – Matthew 23:11

Daughters Michelle and Laurie found a meaningful verse and dedicated it to their Father in the memorial card for the service.

A snippet could be equally applied to Claude’s commitment to his community:

“He never looked for praises

He was never one to boast

He just went on quietly working

For the ones he loved the most …”

Claude was Mayor of Sexsmith for the last 11 years and also served nine years on Council.

He was first on the scene during emergencies, whether these be fires, flooding or train derailments and was often the last to leave, even if that meant staying late into the night. He would drive around the community to ensure everything was operating smoothly and took great pride in his role with Citizens on Patrol to help ensure resident safety.

Claude was instrumental in the development of many projects in Sexsmith including the medical clinic, spray park, fire hall and, most recently the Lakeview Seniors Home in Clairmont among countless others. In 2012, he was the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, for his dedicated service to his community.

Claude was involved in all aspects of the community, big and small. How appropriate that he built the flag stand at the Sexsmith Civic Centre.

As much energy as Claude invested in his community, his family was the recipient of even more devotion.

Twelve-year-old grandson Becker Olson spoke of the influence Claude has had on him: “I always think, “What would Grandpa do?”

I told Councillor Siggelkow that although Claude would no longer be at the Council table, Councillors could be sure their ears would be burning as he influences them from above.

It was only fitting that the video tribute at Mayor Lagace’s service featured the Frank Sinatra song, My Way.

You certainly did do it Your Way, Mayor Lagace and we’re all better for it.