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Tributes flooded social media Sunday, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau saying Zwozdesky’s contributions to Alberta and its Ukrainian community “will always be remembered.”

Heather Klimchuk, a past PC MLA, has known Zwozdesky for about 40 years, through politics and her children’s involvement in Ukrainian dance. He was a mentor to her when she successfully ran for office in 2008, she said.

The veteran MLA taught Klimchuk three things: “To be kind, to be kind, and to be kind,” she said with a laugh on Sunday evening.

He was drawn to politics through a love of public service, and especially loved serving as Speaker, when he had to make some tough rulings, she said.

After the 2015 election, he went beyond the call of duty to help train new MLAs and was present for the swearing in of the NDP government, she said.

“He served so well, and he certainly inspired me,” Klimchuk said. “I hope that he inspires the next group of people who get elected, our candidates who are working hard in all parties, to be kind, and be respectful.”

A fabulous mandolin and ukulele player, Zwozdesky would jam with PC MLA Richard Starke and his accordion at caucus retreats, she said. One of her favourite memories was when Zwozdesky organized an MLA choir, which nervously performed Christmas carols in the legislature’s rotunda.

‘Captivating man’

Although many Albertans know Zwozdesky from his political career, John Pichlyk’s fondest memories are from the 1970s and 1980s when Zwozdesky was a dancer and musical director with Ukrainian dance company Shumka.