OTTAWA—For many people, the passing of Ken Dryden was a sad one. He was central in my childhood as a hockey hero, and, later in life, was an example of a remarkable and admirable Canadian who lived life to the fullest. Dryden was a sports star, author, lawyer, cabinet minister, advocate, and approachable. He had humility combined with enormous achievement—a particularly rare combination in today’s age.

About a decade ago, I had 30-minute phone conversation with Dryden. He was the reference for a soon-to-be employee. I was star struck, and think I might have said 10 words as I listened to this iconic character talk. He was welcoming, engaging, and thoughtful on every front. What you saw in public was represented in private.

I knew from others who worked with him when he entered politics and became the minister of social development in then-prime minister Paul Martin’s government that Dryden was deeply thoughtful and wanted engagement. Given his pedigree, he was arguably the smartest person in every room he ever entered, but he never behaved that way.

He was charged with helping the Martin government bring to reality to the national daycare program that had been long promised. He worked tirelessly at it, and understood its importance in providing families and Canadians with long-term economic opportunity.

He was a true celebrity on Parliament Hill because of his impressive athletic career both on the ice and in the leadership suites. His book, The Game, was something many Canadians could cite. Unlike many of the modern Insta celebrities in our midst today, he wasn’t showboating or constantly pushing his brand. He came to work on public policy, and tried to do it meaningfully with respect towards others.

He ran for the Liberal leadership in 2006 after Martin had left and the Liberals were in opposition. He wasn’t successful as he wasn’t seen at the time as the man for the times. Nonetheless, he continued to serve in opposition until 2011 when he was defeated in a general election. For someone so accomplished to stay on in politics—particularly in the mind-numbing racket of opposition—speaks to loyalty and dedication to service. He didn’t need the job, but he did it anyway.

Long after he left politics, Dryden continued to try and serve Canadians. He worked tirelessly to raise awareness about head injuries and concussions in sport. He pushed not just hockey, but also all sports to do better. He knew both the health and wellness of individuals, as well as the future sustainability of sport was at stake.

He continued to write and make us think. It wasn’t done to enhance a vanity play, but rather it feels like he did it out of a sense of duty. Following the amazing Four Nations Face-Off hockey series earlier this year, he wrote a powerful essay in The Atlantic linking sport as a tool of insight to current global turmoil.

Many people were surprised when they heard on the weekend that Dryden had passed. Showing that old Canadian understatedness, he kept his cancer diagnosis private. As an iconic Canadian, people may have gotten caught up in his illness rather than focusing on some greater public matter.

I took a morning this week to speak to my 10-year-old son—who thinks sports is the most important thing—about learning from Dryden’s life, and to see him as a great guide. There are few better paths to follow.

Thank you, Ken Dryden, for all you gave us. Even in death you make us think.

Tim Powers is chairman of Summa Strategies, and managing director of Abacus Data. He is a former adviser to Conservative political leaders.

The Hill Times

 

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