Former Forty Mile Reeve remembered as optimist by council

Commentator/Courier File Photo

By Anna Smith
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Former Reeve of the County of Forty Mile No. 8, Bryne Lengyel, is remembered fondly by those who knew him.

Lengyel passed away on Feb. 20 at the age of 75, after his years as a farmer, councillor, and as a young man, musician.

“He was on council with me for two terms, so eight years,” said Forty Mile Coun. Joan Hughson. “And I was on council with him. He was Reeve for part of that time, and he was a good councillor, a good thinker and worked well with the rest of the councillors. I respected him; he had a lot of business knowledge about farming and all that.”

Hughson said that in their time on council together, they were often of the same mind, and she enjoyed working with him.

“We had a good time together, he always enjoyed a good laugh,” said Hughson. “As a councillor, he always had the best interest of the county at heart. He worked hard and tried to do the best thing for the ratepayers and for the county to advance. He was a progressive thinker. Always looking forward, and on the bright side.”

A memorial mass was held on March 1 at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church in Foremost.

Get More Bow Island Commentator →