In the days since Mayor Bill Robertson passed away, a flood of stories and warm memories has arisen from friends, colleagues, and the many others whose lives were affected by Mayor Bill.

Among them is Calgary's Mayor Naheed Nenshi.

Nenshi and Robertson were elected mayor on the same night in 2010.

"He was way more experienced than me because, of course, I was brand new to politics, and he had served on council for many years before becoming mayor, so I got to know him quickly and early," says Nenshi.

Both mayors had also announced their intentions not to run in the 2021 municipal election earlier in the year.

Over those eleven years, the neighbouring mayors shared a unique relationship.

The two attended countless events together, and Mayor Bill often included Nenshi in challenges issued to nearby municipal leaders.

Nenshi says he always admired Robertson's impact on the community, noting the impact Robertson had on so many people.

"He was a really remarkable guy who was just not focused on personal stuff. He was not focused on glory. He was entirely 100 per cent focused on doing what was right for the community he loved."

Some of his favourite memories of Mayor Bill are those he has of running into him at the Stampede.

"For years he took the tickets at the gate, and if I ever happened to come to the gate when he was on shift, he would yell, 'hey everybody, the mayor's here! Roll out the red carpet!' They had this little red mat that they'd literally throw on the ground as I was coming through the gates. Then I learned that that wasn't just for me, that was a great trick he did to just make people feel special when they were coming to the Stampede. To me, that is the quintessential Bill story."

Though Nenshi, like many others, is still reeling from the news, he knows Robertson won't soon be forgotten.

"What I think about is his legacy, not just in Okotoks, but beyond. He was the chair of the Calgary Regional Partnership. He took an enormous hand in the growth of this entire region, and I know all of us will temper our grief, and our mourning, and our sadness with at least a little smile knowing that he had such a beautiful and strong legacy that has allowed all of us to live better lives here."

 

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