Calgary legend Ron Southern dies at 85
Posted Jan 21, 2016 3:22 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Calgarians and Albertans of all stripes are mourning the loss of a pioneer and icon, as ATCO and Spruce Meadows founder Ron Southern has passed away at the age of 85.
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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Founder and Co-Chairman, Ronald D. Southern https://t.co/yB8vRPb7Qr
— Spruce Meadows (@Spruce_Meadows) January 21, 2016
The announcement of Southern’s death was made on Thursday, with tributes pouring in from all over the political, business and sports landscapes, including Alberta Premier Rachel Notley.
Ian Allison, the senior vice-president of Spruce Meadows told 660 NEWS, it was a sad day at the international show jumping venue.
“Mr. Southern was an icon and a giant in all of our lives,” Allison said. “He was really able to see what started from such humble beginnings back in the 1970s to what Spruce Meadows had become.”
“He was just a very, very remarkable man, he had great leadership capability, he had a great ability to identify with people. He was sincere in everything he said, whether that be complimentary or critique.”
Sport Calgary executive director and CEO Murray Singlar echoed the sentiment.
“He was always a lifelong champion for sport in our city, and he’ll be sorely missed by everybody involved with sport in our city, although his legacy will surely go on,” Singlar said. “Being a mentor, and a friend, he’s been that way for many Calgarians.”
Southern also had many ties to the U.K., and British Consul-General for Alberta, Tony Kay, said the country has been privileged for Southern’s partnership.
“We know Ron’s very strong support and admiration for Britain, for Her Majesty the Queen, for show jumping, for the British military,” Kay said. “I’ve had messages from members of the British military in particular who want to extend their messages of condolence to the Southern family.”
Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi released a statement as well, in which he expressed sadness to hear of Southern’s passing.
“Beyond his career as a prominent businessman, Ron was a true community builder. It is because of Ron’s vision for Spruce Meadows more than 40 years ago that we as Calgarians are lucky enough to enjoy this iconic venue. And Spruce is only one example of the extraordinary work of Ron and his family. Their legacy is felt here every day and we will remember Ron with deep gratitude,” the statement said.
Southern was born July 25, 1930 and founded ATCO Group in 1947 with his father, S.D. Southern, and served as the company’s president for 48 years.
Spruce Meadows was opened in April 1975, and is now recognized as one of the leading venues in the world for international show jumping.
He was also behind AKITA Drilling Ltd., which he helped expand into the Arctic and develop strong relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Metis groups.
