Editorial: Remembering One of the Good Ones

This tribute is admittedly a little late, but some things deserve to be said, no matter when they’re spoken.

Earlier this September, Magrath Town Councillor Josh Bourelle had passed away unexpectedly. I only met Josh twice in my time hosting this show, but his passing struck me deeply — because in those brief encounters, it was clear he was one of the good ones.

For those who never had the chance to meet Councillor Bourelle, you missed out. You missed out on a man who stood above partisan politics, someone who was simply there for the right reasons — to serve, to listen, and to make his community better.

I first met Josh at the SouthGrow AGM in Lethbridge earlier this year. During my time as MC, I mentioned that I was visiting as many Alberta communities as I could, hoping to speak with local representatives.

I noted that I hadn’t yet met anyone from Magrath or Raymond — and that’s when Josh walked over, introduced himself, and said, with that signature warmth of his, that he’d love to come on the show and talk about his work in municipal politics.

I was thrilled. And true to his word, two weeks later, I found myself sitting across from him in his home in Magrath for what turned into a thoughtful, hour-and-a-half conversation.

Josh impressed me immediately. He spoke with a quiet confidence and an earnest passion for his community. He didn’t just talk — he listened. He reflected. He cared about every question and answered with sincerity and thoughtfulness.

After his passing, I came across a GoFundMe page that described him perfectly: “He gave his time generously — from serving on council, to lending a hand in his community, to cheering on his children in all their endeavors. He would give you the shirt off his back without a second thought.”

I couldn’t have said it better myself. Josh embodied what it means to serve — not for recognition, not for power, but for people.

His passing leaves a hole not just in Magrath, but in all of Alberta’s municipal family. But his spirit — his dedication, his humility, and his kindness — lives on in the lives he touched.

So, to Josh — thank you. Thank you for showing us what genuine public service looks like. Thank you for your time, your honesty, and your heart.

You were one of the good ones, my friend. And we won’t forget you.