Jock Osler, journalist and former press secretary under prime minister Joe Clark, dead at 83

Jock Osler, a former journalist, radio personality and press secretary under Prime Minister Joe Clark, has died at 83.

Osler, who was a longtime member of the Calgary Eyeopener's political panel, was alsothe familiarvoice ringing out above the Calgary Stampede'sgrandstand show.

Osler's son John Oslersaid his father loved his life and the people in it.

"He was the most optimistic man I ever met," John said."He lived in the moment, he planned for the future, the future was endless and he just never had any doubt that every day was going to be a great day."

A lover and fervent supporter of local arts especially theatre Osler strongly believed in doing work for his community. Astudio at the TransAlta Performing Arts Studio was named in his honour in 2018.

"He just absolutely loved theatre. Not just because he found it entertaining, but he really believed that theatre was the lifeblood of a community, and communities were better with vibrant arts and culture scenes," John said.

Osler also served as the minister of public affairs at the Canadian embassy in Washington D.C. and was a supporter of the Kidney Foundation and cancer charities.

"We've created a movement, one that will resonate not only in our hearts, but in the hearts and minds of those who participate in Kidney Marches to come," said Osler during the closing ceremonies for the 2015 Kidney March, which raised more than half a million dollars.

Osler received a kidney transplant himself and saw friends and family struggle through battles with cancer. John said that also motivated him to leave his community better than he found it.

"For him, it was never about career or a bigger car or a bigger bank account. It was more about being and teaching us [to be] a loyal friend, a good friend and a good community servant," John said.

"Doing things for your community is a noble calling and leaving your community better is so important. And he, for sure, did that."