Tributes continue to roll in for federal Wild Rose MP Myron Thompson, including one from his successor Blake Richards.

Myron Thompson served as Cochrane's MP for 15 years. (Photo: House of Commons)

Thompson, 83, passed away on Jan. 5 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last fall. He was the Member of Parliament for 15 years for the now defunct Wild Rose riding that included Cochrane.

Richards admires Thompson's contribution to Canadian society and called him a mentor who made a difference.

"I can personally attest to that because a phone call from Myron in 1992 changed my life," says Richards while paying tribute to Thompson and his wife Dorothy in the House of Commons last October.

"He took a chance on this young whippersnapper, as he would say, and gave me a start in politics, one that ultimately led to me being able to succeed him here in Parliament."

Today, Richards spoke further.

Richards said with Thompson, what you saw is what you got and that he called it the way he saw it. He had a dogged determination and when he latched on to an issue he would tirelessly pursue it.

"Myron was completely committed to his faith, his family, and to serving his constituents and country."

"What we can all learn from Myron’s life of public service is to always stay true to yourself and your beliefs. In particular for me, as his successor, it means constantly keeping the best interests of your constituents front and centre."

In what is viewed as a safe conservative riding, Thompson bulldozed all his opponents in federal elections, including those from Cochrane, most notably former mayors Judy Stewart (Liberal) and Truper McBride (Progressive Conservative).

Stewart posted a tribute to Thompson on her Facebook page yesterday.

"He was a gifted politician and in my estimation a worthy opponent. Although we rarely agreed on anything in the way of social policies, we shared a love of the people in this riding, the environment and a passion for political engagement. Rest now Myron--you served the public well. Better than most."

Thompson's trademark was wearing his cowboy hat and boots on Parliament Hill. The former mayor of Sundre was first elected with the Reform Party in the 1993 federal election and also went on to represent the riding with the Canadian Alliance and Conservative parties. He retired from federal politics in 2008