Klein sends best wishes to Stu Hart
By DAVID SANDS -- Edmonton Sun
EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Ralph Klein has sent his best wishes to wrestling
family patriarch Stu Hart.
Klein, himself the son of a former professional wrestler, said yesterday
the ailing Hart has made a tremendous contribution to Calgary, and he hopes
he'll continue to do so.
"First of all, he's brought so much character to the city, and he's brought
so much to wrestling.
"He's just one more of those individuals, he and his family, who have
served to make Calgary what it is today."
Hart, 85, the man who put Calgary on the wrestling map, was hospitalized
with heart problems and taken to Rockyview hospital last Thursday where he
still remains.
Fluid was drained from his lungs and the area around his heart.
Klein, who attended the May 1999 funeral of Hart's son Owen, who was killed
in a pro-wrestling stunt, said the Stu Hart is a shining example of a great
Albertan.
"He is a tremendous entrepreneur, he's a good-hearted soul, he contributes
to a lot of community endeavours, he has a tremendous interest in young
people, in youth."
His message to Hart and the family was simple: "Colleen and I are sorry to
hear that he's been hospitalized, and we wish him all the best on a full and
speedy recovery."
Bruce Hart, Stu's son, said the family hopes the guru of wrestling will be
out of hospital Friday.
"He's been getting inspiration from all the well wishers," said Bruce.
Hart is to receive the Order of Canada next month and wants to make the
trip to Ottawa.
-- with files from Cameron Maxwell
