EDMONTON — Premier Ralph Klein dabbed at tears and nodded thanks for thunderous ovations and emotional tributes during his final appearance in the Alberta legislature on Thursday.

Deputy premier Shirley McClellan, one of Klein's strongest allies over his nearly 14 years as premier, called Klein "an outstanding Albertan and, I believe, the most popular premier in Canadian history.''

"The premier's list of accomplishments is very long, distinguished and historic,'' said McClellan, her voice quavering at times. "It was our premier's personal vision and leadership that led to the elimination of Alberta's deficit and then, Alberta's debt.''

Klein said he felt relieved as he walked into the assembly for the last time.

The premier was forced to move up his retirement date by a full year after his own Progressive Conservative party delegates gave him only 55 per cent support in a mandatory leadership review vote at the end of March. He now plans to tender his formal resignation this fall and leave office by the end of the year once a new Tory leader is chosen.

But inside the legislative chamber, there was no hint of any of the acrimony that forced Klein's early departure.

"I felt blessed to be here, privileged to be part of this team and honoured to serve the great people of this great province,'' Klein said as all members jumped to their feet in a prolonged ovation.

The opposition leaders each offered words of respect and remembrance as well.

"The premier's career has been remarkable, there's no doubt about it,'' said Kevin Taft, leader of the Liberal Opposition. "In fact, he is rare among Canadian politicians in that more people refer to him by his first name than by his title.''

NDP Leader Brian Mason said it's hard to think of any figure who has dominated Alberta politics as thoroughly as Klein.

"He showed an almost unique ability to relate to the average Albertan and they relate to him,'' said Mason. "It's an important quality, because it makes politics more relevant to the average person in Alberta.''

Government members were gushing with praise and nostalgia Thursday after Klein's last caucus meeting of the spring sitting.

"I thought it was like a cocoon of love around him,'' said Health Minister Iris Evans. "Right now, everybody's feeling a lot of love and nostalgia for the premier.''

All government members were expected to attend a minor league baseball game at a stadium near the legislature where Klein was scheduled to throw out the first pitch before hosting a barbecue in his honour.

Klein said he plans to take it easy this summer, spending most of his spare time golfing and fishing.

But he still has one last western premiers meeting in Gimli, Man., later this month, where he plans to take a stand against adding Alberta's massive royalty revenues into the calculations used to determine equalization payments between provinces.

The Alberta government has also quietly decided not to attempt framework legislation for the so-called Third Way health-care reforms, which were scaled back recently because of widespread public discontent.

The health minister confirmed Wednesday that although her ministry will proceed with some changes, any legislation will be left until a new premier is chosen.

Evans also confirmed that the use of Klein's term Third Way is likely dead, one more sign that his political battles are coming to an end.