Peter Lougheed, the former premier of Alberta, died in a Calgary hospital Thursday night. (Graham Hughes/Canadian Press)

Offering condolences on the death of former Alberta Premier Peter Lougheed, Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall was also remembering his political hero and valued mentor.

In a statement, Wall noted that when he was an Opposition MLA, Lougheed was always willing to meet with him in his office in Calgary, answering questions and offering advice.

"When we formed government. I called him to ask if he would come and meet with our government and Enterprise Saskatchewan for a day of planning," Wall said.

"He said he would but wondered if we could afford his consultation fee. I asked him what the fee was. He said a steak sandwich. His subsequent visit and the resulting discussions through the years have turned out to be the most important steak sandwich ever bought in our province."

Wall said as a premier fighting for provincial control of natural resources, Lougheed was a voice not just for Alberta, but also for Western Canada.

"He was easy to follow, easy to admire, for he always managed to make Alberta's case and to further her interests in the context of a strong and united Canada, the country he so loved," Wall said.

Lougheed was in the premier's chair for 14 years, after leading the Progressive Conservatives to victory in 1971. He died Thursday at 84.