From highways to arts and sports, PA’s Eldon Lautermilch left a lasting legacy

Lautermilch may not have been born in the Prince Albert, but he spent much of his adult life here, moving with his new wife, Loretta Brooks in 1970 and then using his twin skills of musical talent and being handy to go to work repairing radios and televisions.

“Like many of his generation and upbringing, Eldon was both musical and handy. He was prepared to play and repair almost anything – and he kept instruments and tools with him throughout his life,” read his obituary, posted online after his passing in Regina.

After taking over Old Fashion Foods, he also decided to run for provincial politics in 1986 and won the Prince Albert-Northcote riding under the NDP banner.

“Eldon was someone who committed himself to making a lasting, positive impact on his community of Prince Albert and on his province as a provincial cabinet minister,” said NDP leader Carla Beck following his passing.

Beck was not the only leader to comment publicly. The Sask. Party member who currently holds the Northcote seat also spoke out.

“Eldon will be remembered for his incredible contribution to our province. I am sorry for your loss,” said MLA Alana Ross on social media.

Nicole Rancourt ran in the last provincial election, hoping to take the seat back for the NDP and had a more personal connection as members of the same community and the same political party.

“I am sure going to miss my friend and mentor. Thank you, Eldon, for all you did for our province and city. I appreciate your support and advice over the years and will miss chatting with you and listening to your stories,” she said.

Six years after becoming MLA, he had his first cabinet appointment and held the portfolios of Energy and Mines, Rural Development, Economic and Co-operative Development, Forestry, Highways and Transportation and more during his 21 years in the Legislature.

“He brought a passion to politics. There’s no doubt Eldon was a keen social democrat and he stood firm on his principles,” said Calvert.

Calvert said part of his legacy was the work he did in the energy sector and he was talented at talking to people.

“Eldon was a skilled communicator and just a good friend, always a good spirit,” he said.

Lautermilch won the elections he ran in and stayed in his seat until he left politics after choosing to not run in 2007.

Beck said Lautermilch was a truly progressive politician.

“Eldon was a true leader in progressive politics, champion for his community, and will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.”

Along with twinning Highway 11, which now boasts close to 9,000 vehicle movements per day near Prince Albert, Lautermilch helped deliver provincial dollars that went towards building the Alfred Jenkins Field House and create the Prince Albert Forestry Centre, which is now the University of Saskatchewan Prince Albert campus.

However, the accomplishment he was most proud of was the creation of a provincial agreement for Indigenous-led gaming, the first in Canada according to his obituary.

“The work that he did bringing that gaming strategy forward and putting it in place benefited First Nations people across this province. It has benefited our province and it found a way for us to work together,” Calvert explained.

That was at the same time other provinces were seeing significant conflict with Indigenous peoples within their borders.

The strategy that was created then is still in use today.

Lautermilch had one major controversy in his political career, known as ‘Spudco’. As Minister of SaskWater, he was criticized for mis-characterizing the venture as a partnership between the government and private business.

The deal was to build potato storage sheds, but the venture failed, costing taxpayers $28 million in the late 1990s, early 2000s.

It also turned out that private investment was almost nil and the province footed most of the costs. Calvert moved him to a different portfolio as a result.

After retiring from public life, Lautermilch moved to Regina and became a realtor until his full retirement in 2020.

Lautermilch had recently been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and was born in LaFleche in 1949.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

by Susan McNeil

From highways to arts and sports, PA’s Eldon Lautermilch left a lasting legacy

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