SCOTT JON THORKELSON

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SCOTT JON THORKELSON It is with great sadness that the family of Scott Thorkelson announces his sudden death on Saturday, May 19, 2007. He was 49 years old. Scott will be lovingly remembered by his parents Sam and Laura; his brother Kris; his sister Ruth (Mark); and his nieces, Kjirstin and Kelsey. He will also be remembered by his numerous aunts, uncles and cousins in his extended family and by his dear friends and colleagues from his involvement in politics, his fraternity and alma maters, and his charitable work. A native of Riverton, Manitoba, Scott loved his family and friends, and had a lifelong passion for politics and community service. He received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alberta, and spent several years working in Ottawa. Scott was a senior policy advisor to a Cabinet Minister prior to his election in 1988 to the House of Commons as Member of Parliament for the riding of Edmonton Strathcona, where he served until 1993. While in Parliament, he served as Vice Chair of the Consumer and Corporate Affairs Committee, and member of several House committees, including Justice, and Energy and Resources. When his term in Parliament ended in 1993, Scott attended the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, earning a Master's Degree in Public Administration. He returned home to Alberta to start a career as a financial advisor, where he continued to be active within the community. He is remembered for his involvement in student politics at the University of Alberta and his close association with his fraternity brothers on charitable efforts. He was also a strong supporter of the Edmonton Scandinavian Society. Scott was a Director on the boards of several companies, and was Chair of the Board of Directors of Special Olympics for Alberta at the time of his passing. Scott was a stalwart supporter of the Progressive Conservative Party, starting as a Young Progressive Conservative in the mid-70s. He remained passionately involved in federal and provincial politics his entire life. He will be remembered for his devotion to the principles of the progressive conservative movement in Canada, and his dedication to public service. A celebration of Scott's life will be held in Edmonton on Saturday, May 26 at 3:00 p.m. at the Foster-McGarvey Funeral Chapel, 10011-114 Street, with Reverend Stefan Jonasson, of Winnipeg, officiating. Those who wish to make contributions may do so in Scott's name to the University of Alberta where a scholarship fund in Scott's memory will be created. (Contributions may be sent care of Scott Thorkelson Fund, 6th Floor, Development Office, GSB, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H1). Foster McGarvey Ltd., 10011-114th St.; (780) 428-6666, to send condolences: www.fostermcgarvey.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 25, 2007