Legendary singer, songwriter and Western icon Ian Tyson was recently memorialized at the East Longview Hall.
A private event was held on July 4 with many friends, neighbours and family in attendance.
Both of his children Clay Tyson and Adelita Tyson Bell were there.
Foothills County Reeve Delilah Miller was there as she was also a longtime friend of Tyson's and is listed as a producer on his "Live at Longview" album from 2002.
Miller says he played a lot of shows at the East Longview Hall.
"It was a fitting place for Ian. He did concerts there for 20 years at the hall. People came from all over the world to attend concerts at that little hall."
Miller also helped organize the entire event along with Tyson's daughter Adelita.
"We helped Adelita as best we could to try and find a spot and the Hall board agreed which we were delighted that they agreed to allow us to have some kind of a memorial there for him. I think it turned out really well."
Tyson was 68 years old when they cut the live album at East Longview Hall, one of his favourite venues to play.
High River musician Julien Kerr was also in attendance having performed with Tyson in the past along with country star Corb Lund.
Longview artist Matts Zoumer painted the mural, making sure to include Tyson's purple shirt, his handkerchief around his neck, and a magpie.
The bronze plaque shares the message from his family for all the world to take in.
"In the heart of the Canadian West, where the spirit of the cowboy still rides free across the vast, open plains, we pay homage to Ian Tyson, our father, grandfather, friend, and colleague. His songs were more than melodies; they were the stories of the land, tales of the West, and the embodiment of the cowboy way of life.
Ian was a chronicler of the western frontier, capturing the essence of majestic landscapes and the soul of those who call it home. With a voice as rugged as the Rockies and as smooth as the prairie wind, Ian Tyson sang of love, loss, and the unbreakable bond between a man and his horse, leaving an indelible mark on the heart of Western music.
With this tribute, we remember Ian Tyson not only for the legacy of music he leaves behind but for the path he blazed for the many singers and songwriters who followed. His work resonates with the values we hold dear: a deep connection to the land, a steadfast dedication to our roots, and a relentless spirit of adventure. Ian's musical legacy is forever intertwined with Western culture, inspiring future generations with enduring melodies.
The East Longview Hall held special significance for Ian, hosting twenty years of concerts throughout his career. This location in the picturesque Alberta Foothills was one of his favourite performance venues, providing a serene backdrop for his memorial. Let this plaque stand as a testament to his remarkable contribution to our cultural heritage, and may his spirit ride on in the hearts of all who cherish the cowboy way of life."
- In loving memory, the Tyson family -
Tyson passed away on December 29, 2022, at the age of 89.