Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
View All Photos
Add Photos to Memorial
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
69 Entries
Jackie Ayer
December 6, 2016
We were sorry to learn of Ron's passing and wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to your family from this branch of Ontario Teskeys. We are thinking of Marg, Nancy and Linda and hope that your first Christmas without him will have the love and support of friends and family.
From the Ayer family
October 25, 2016
Barbara and I learned of Mr. Southern's passing only this past Saturday evening. Sadly, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire family. Martin & Barbara
Rose Marie DesJardins (Bezovie)
February 15, 2016
Dear Ron Southern's Girls
I grew up on 10th Avenue N.E. and I remember my mother buying her bedding out plants from Ron's Grandfather - Bill Southern - a gardener who lived across the street from my parents - Doris and Steve Bezovie. I also do remember sitting with the girls when you lived on 8th Avenue N.E. overlooking the Bridgeland Community. Such fond memories. This was in the beginning and I am so proud of knowing the family, who now are so successful in Calgary and around the World. I have visited Spruce Meadows many times over the years, and have enjoyed it so much. A tribute to Bill Southern, Don Southern and to especially Ron and Marg Southern. I also remember a young girl with whom I was a friend as a child - Florence Southern - would be good to know if she is here in Calgary? I attended the service at Spruce Meadows with a neighbour of mine who worked at Akida Drilling, Margaret Scott. R.I.P. Ron Southern - you were a very special person - lived your life to the fullest, and gave us a beautiful world class facility in Spruce Meadows. May God bless your lovely family in their time of sorrow.
SHARON & JIM TILBE
February 8, 2016
Margaret & Family; our deepest condolence on Ron's passing. We are in Mesa, AZ and unfortunately could not attend Ron's funeral.
Jim worked for Shell Canada and admired Ron for his strength & wisdom. We have had several occasions to socialize with you & Ron and always enjoyed our contact.
Ron will be missed but what he, you and your family have done for Calgary and the World will live on for ever.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Teddie Laframboise
February 7, 2016
Hello,
My mother, Mary Anne Laframboise, was director of Equine Canada in 1975 and she was instrumental in helping Mr. Southern and Spruce Meadows get their first permit to host a horse show. My mother always spoke very fondly of Mr. Southern and was a big fan of his. I grew up with Johnathan Asselin in Pony Club and we run a competitive stable in Ottawa. Our deepest sympathies to the Southern families at your loss of such a great man and contributor to our sport. From all of the Laframboise family in Ottawa.
Teddie Laframboise
Kenneth B Armstrong
February 1, 2016
Very kind words for an even kinder man.
With sympathy, understanding, and prayer.
February 1, 2016
Our deepest sympathies to Marg and family on the passing of a great man the country will miss him. Clive and Eleanor Griffin-Beale
Margaret Newall
February 1, 2016
Please convey my condolences to Marg and her whole family. They have suffered an enormous loss.
Margaret Newall
Jonathan Moser
February 1, 2016
Our sincere condolences to the entire Southern family. May your warm memories provide much comfort and strength.
Jonathan Moser & Cathy Moar
Kathryn McGrath
January 31, 2016
Linda, Tom and family - a personal note of condolence and remembrance of days well spent at Spruce Meadows following the courtesy of Linda.....
With sincere sympathy for your loss,
Dr. John V.M. and Kathryn McGrath
Calgary, AB
Jake Harp
January 31, 2016
Our sincere condolences to Ron's family. Ron will truly be missed by the entire community.
Jake Harp and daughters Lisa, Susan & Donna
Tineke & Nico Roelofsen
January 29, 2016
Our deepest sympathy to Marg and family on the passing of Ron Southern. I had the great pleasure to interact with Ron and Marg in 1988 when the Dutch Queen Beatrix was welcomed by 6000 Dutch Canadians at Spruce Meadows. Their leadership, personalities and hospitality were overwhelming. It was a honor to have met you both and our prayers are with Marg and family in this diffictlt time.
Mike Burych
January 28, 2016
John, Kathy and I would like to pass on our condolences to the Southern family and also extend our thanks to a man and family that we have never met, yet they have had a very significant impact on our lives.
Reading the article it is very clear that Ron was an extremely intelligent individual with tremendous determination and an ability to see his vision transpire. It truly amazes and inspires me when I read stories of men like Ron, to have created something so significant and important and that has had a global impact in just one life time, is truly amazing.
Outside of his legacy in business and philanthropy, it is clear that he was a very family and community orientated man and one that never lost touch of his roots. To read that part of his purpose in building his group of companies was to ensure that the legacy could pass through the generations to come by remaining under the families control, is admiral to say the least.
Russ I would really appreciate if this email could find its way to the right people purely so John, Kathy and myself can show our respect to the family and send our thanks for what we have today due to Ron's hard work and legacy.
Murray Bialek
January 28, 2016
On behalf of the Naval Officers Association of Canada Calgary Branch we offer our deepest condolences
Gail Spencer
January 28, 2016
I had the privilege to lead the Spruce Meadows Parade of Nations for 13 years and become a part of the Spruce Meadows family. I would like to send my deepest sympathy to the Southern family. It is time to Stand up for a Champion.
Brigadier-General Wayne Eyre
January 28, 2016
On behalf of all ranks of the 3rd Canadian Division, the Army of the West offers our deepest condolences to the Southern Family. Ron was a great Canadian who contributed to our society in so many ways, and was a huge supporter of our military. He will be greatly missed.
Sheila Carruthers
January 28, 2016
My deepest sympathy to the Southern family on the passing of an inspiring leader. Ron was a legend. His attention to detail, work ethic and his high expectations of others influenced many who crossed paths with him; me included.
Rosetta Bilodeau
January 28, 2016
My deepest condolences to you Mrs. Southern, Linda and Nancy. Mr. Southern was one of the sweetest people I have ever met. I fondly remember spending time with him and Mrs. southern in the middle of the ring at the various RSA cups. We have lost a great man. May he rest in Peace and may there be peace with Mrs Southern, Linda and Nancy.
Thinking of you
Bill & Shirley Thompson
January 27, 2016
On behalf of my father, William (Bill) Thompson, we offer our deepest sympathies at the passing of Ron.
Dad attended Crescent Heights High School with Ron in Calgary.
I asked yesterday if he remembered Ron, and he smiled and started telling a story involving he and Ron in high school.
I was glad that he remembered Ron, as dad has dementia.
Mayor Brown
January 27, 2016
Mayor Peter Brown and the City of Airdrie Council extend our deepest condolences to the Southern family on the passing of Ron Southern. Ron was a tremendous supporter of Alberta communities, large and small. We appreciate the many visible reminders of his legacy, from Spruce Meadows to local partnerships with ATCO employees. Thank you, Ron.
Deborah Davidson
January 27, 2016
My deepest Sympathy to the Southern family, Alberta has lost a great leader, Ron's passing will definately be felt everywhere.
Very warm and intellegent man that accomplished anything he put his mind to.
Great loss in so many ways.
we will all feel that he is gone.
So sorry
Deborah Davidson
January 27, 2016
Please accept our sincere condolences at the passing of Mr. Southern. After working at Spruce Meadows for so many years there's no question our business and our lives have been influenced by RD and the entire Southern family. May he rest in peace.
Chris & Barb Sisson
Carol McCarthy
January 27, 2016
My condolences to the Southern Families. He came with a dream and left a giant legacy that we throughout Canada and the world, will enjoy and embrace for many years to come. A true Calgarian and an honorable Canadian. He has carefully groomed many to continue his work, and the legacy, and we will never forget. R.I.P.
Pat Goettler
January 26, 2016
Our sincere condolences to the family of Ron Southern. He was an amazing man of vision. with love
rusty goepel
January 26, 2016
Ron: I so well remember the many kindnesses that you and Marge showed our little firm from Vancouver. You were an inspiration to all entrepreneurs in Western Canada. God Bless You
January 26, 2016
My deepest sympathy to Marg and Family.
Janice Bullock (Penticton, BC)
Jon Himmens
January 26, 2016
Our deepest sympathy to the family at this loss. Alberta is so lucky to have had such a visionary leader helping to define the business and communities we enjoy today.. Thank you.
Jon Himmens, IBM
James Logan
January 26, 2016
Our sympathy to the Ron Southern family from J. E. Jim Logan. Ron & I were born the same year. He was a natural leader who accomplished much.
Carol Williams
January 25, 2016
With deepest sympathy to Marg, Nancy, Linda and family. So many fond memories of our childhood.
With love from your Aussie cousins.
Geraldine, Carol, Chris and Lori Lorenz.
January 25, 2016
To Marg, Nancy and Linda, and the entire Southern family:
Our thoughts are with you all at this time. Ron will be remembered by many and we hope the fond memories you all shared will be the thoughts that help you through the next few weeks and months.
John and Bunny Ferguson, Kaua'i, Hi
Beth Schnell
January 25, 2016
Deepest Sympathy to the Southern family.
Thank you Ron for bringing the Joy of the Horse to us for so many years.
From Wildwinds Meadows
January 25, 2016
Our deepest and warmest sympathy to the family at this loss. We are so grateful to have had such a visionary, smart, funny leader helping to shape our community.
Donna Livingstone
President and CEO
Glenbow
January 25, 2016
we send to all the family our deepest sympathies for the loss of your husband and father. A man of great integrity, vision,hard work and a model Canadian who few can match and none will surpass. We are thinking of you all at this time of loss. David and Claire Molson
Sheila Pidgeon
January 25, 2016
Met Ron in the hospital a few years ago and we became instant friends. Sorry to hear of his passing he will be missed by so many.
Carol Uggerslev
January 25, 2016
Ron Southern was an amazing man and leaves an amazing legacy for all Albertans. We are all so very fortunate to be able to enjoy a facility like Spruce Meadows made so accessible to everyone. He will be missed, his memory cherished.
Lori Ann Edwards
January 25, 2016
To the Southern Family,
Such a legacy - well beyond his life as business leader.
Spruce Meadows has been a wonderful gift to the community. I have vivid memories of him taking the time to personally welcome guests to various events.
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Thank you,
Lori Ann Edwards
Granville Ferry, Nova Scotia
Glenn Foster
January 25, 2016
I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Southern many years back at Twin Oaks farm in Richmond BC. I was doing first aid for Trevor Graham and Ron was there. At that point I knew of Ron but had not visited Spruce Meadows.
When I did visit Spruce I was totally in awe of what Ron and Marg had built.
At the end of the day at Twin Oaks Trevor asked me if I could take Ron to his car in the first aid cart as his legs were giving him trouble.
We chatted and I knew right away what a special man I was talking to.
A few years later I went to Spruce to watch Tiffany ride .
I saw Ron and went to shake his hand and talk to him and he said hi Glenn.
I was astounded that he remembered my name and told him so.
He said he was a shipwreck in the leg department but said he still had it upstairs.
A wonderful man and a true gentleman...
January 24, 2016
Marg, Nancy, Linda and family....sending you our condolences, thoughts and prayers. Ron was "a gentleman and a scholar". We will always think of him with great fondness. He always had time for everyone and touched our lives because of this. Bless all of you as you prepare to celebrate this wonderful human being.
Frank Biggeman and Carol Rolheiser
Helen Nodrick and family
January 24, 2016
We send our deepest condolences to the Southern family. I will always remember what a kind, generous and brilliant man Mr. Southern was.
Betty Stryk
January 24, 2016
Condolences to Marg, Linda, Nancy and family - Spruce Meadows is an amazing venue where I had the privilege to volunteer for a few years until we moved. Ron and Marg (and Linda and Nancy) were so committed and treated everyone so generously - down to earth and greeting us every time we met - thank you and will cherish those memories -
January 24, 2016
Truly a Giant among men.I met Ron on few occasions, mostly at Board meetings, non the less he always knew my name.I offer my sincere condolences to Nancy and the Board, proud to have know him.
Gary Ingimundarson (Frontec Group)
January 24, 2016
My deepest sympathy goes out to Marg, Nancy and Linda. Ron was a great friend and I have always held him with deep respect. He has left footprints on our hearts and we are never the same. Love, Jim Baroffio
Connie McLaen
January 24, 2016
I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Ron when helping organize the Stanley Jones Elementary School 100th Anniversary in 2013. We were so pleased that he accepted our invitation to be the keynote speaker at the Gala and very thankful for his generosity in use of the hall at Spruce Meadows. Even though our paths crossed only briefly, it was very apparent that Ron was an honest, intelligent, principled and unique man. My heartfelt condolences to the Southern family; I am very sorry for your loss.
Angelique, David and Nicole Ellerton
January 24, 2016
To the Southern family and all the Spruce Meadows family from London/Toronto.
We are thinking of you all and the great loss of Ron (Mr. Sourhern). Ron never forgot to say the name of a Sponsor or Volunteer when he greeted them. He was colourful and fully engaged in the moment. Ron was a superb mediator and mentor. He believed in what we could do.
Our sympathy and affection reach out to you all at this sad time.
Franz & Irma Portmann
January 24, 2016
Our deepest sympathy go to the Southern Family Marg, Nancy and Linda about the passing of Ron
Sincerely
Franz & Irma Portmann
January 24, 2016
The Campbell,s Joan Fraser,Gord and Deirdre,send Marg,Nancy,and Linda,our deepest
sympathy,for the death of Ron.. so many memories of the fun and HARD work at the beginnings of Spruce Meadows woth love
January 24, 2016
the Campbell,s..Joan,Fraser,Gord and Deirdre,send Marg,Nancy and Linda our most sincere sympathy..so many memories of the beginnings of Spruce Meadows.with love
marianne.doherty
January 24, 2016
I shall always remember Ron's love and compassion for his father in law during Mr. Visser's last days at the Bethany Care Centre. I was a young nurse back 40 plus years ago. Ron and Marg had the mock up of Spruce Meadows in the room so Dad could be an active participant in the design process. I bless Ron's kindness to all of the staff and residents, May he rest in Peace.
Sylvia Proudfoot
January 24, 2016
Marg, Nancy and Linda - From our early days on Toronto Crescent through the first decade at Spruce Meadows, it was a privilege to know and work with Ron. My thoughts and prayers are with you and him.
Melanie Bowen
January 24, 2016
Marg, Nancy and Linda and families, what a great decision I made to adopt Marg and Ron as my "Mom and Dad" all those years ago. How heartbroken I am today and flooded with great memories of all the fun times you all brought us at the restaurant. Serving you all was such a pleasure and the dinners were always full of laughter, often there were famous guests from around the world and sometimes a slew of bodyguards which always made your visits so exciting. You were always so generous and waiters were treated respectfully and kindly, the odd spilled plate laughed at instead of causing discomfort. What a reachable, friendly family and how sad death is. I always remember Ron with deep affection. Love and best wishes to you all....Melanie.
January 24, 2016
To the Southern Family. I was so sad to hear the passing of Ron. He was such a wonderful man and I will never forget his "scoring" of my saluting the riders at Spruce Meadows. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Linda Stratmann
January 24, 2016
Mr. & Mrs. Sam Krausert spoke highly of Ron and his accomplishments....I worked for them for 28 years as their housekeeper and enjoyed listening to stories about their Spruce Meadows days....May he rewt in peace along with all who have fallen alseep in death as they await the resurrection that Jesus talked about.
Ted Barnicoat
January 24, 2016
We were deeply saddened to read about Mr.Southern's death. He and the Southern family were good to us and made a great difference to our lives. We send our deepest condolences to Mrs. Southern and to the Southern family.
Jill and Ted Barnicoat
Ottawa
Heather Piers
January 23, 2016
Marg, Nancy and Linda. My heart felt heavy today with the passing of Ron. God Bless to you and your family through this difficult time. I felt very fortunate to have had such wonderful memories and envolvment over the past years and most recent with the dog shows.
January 23, 2016
A great man, from a great family.
Condolences to all.
Nels cherry
Glen Kyle
January 23, 2016
Ron and his father provided a lot of integrity to the province, to the various World communities; and to private business. Ron was a man of character and integrity and brought value into peoples lives. I have his picture nicely framed on the top of the mantle, where it shall remain. That was my 20th and last anniversary at ATCO GAS, nearly 5 years ago.
He's gone, but never will be forgotten.
R.I.P. Ron; it won't be long before I read that gas meter of yours in the sky!
Ken Stovel
January 23, 2016
Ron Southern was a giant in both business and the horse industry. He will be greatly missed. I can remember showing at Spruce Meadows back when Hunters were still a part of the show and he was always fair and open to discussion if you had any problems. I wish the family my deepest condolences.
Barb.& Adam Schoblocher
January 23, 2016
In loving Memory of a wonderful Person.
Mr.R.D.Southern will always live in our
Hearts.Our sincere condolences to
Mrs.Margaret Southern and the Family.
January 23, 2016
To the Southern family, our heart felt condolences to all of you! So sorry to hear of his passing. Very generous and compassionate person, with high ideals. As an employee of 32 years, I am well aware of the type of man Ron was and how he looked after his employees and took pride in their advancement within any of his companies. A great role model and family man! He will be missed dearly!
Fred & Elizabeth Smith. Mesa, Az.
James Shutiak
January 23, 2016
It was my privilege to have met Ron for the first time flying from Calgary to eastern Canada in the mid 1970's. We met many times in such a way. Very early in our meetings he learned I lived on a large acreage just south east of Spruce Meadows and had two young daughters. He asked if they had a horse; I mentioned they did not. His response was that they should, and as his horse was getting too old to jump, he would give it to them! That was Ron; a generous, thoughtful, honest, intelligent gentleman! (My then wife refused to accept his offer) I always admired him each time I encountered him in business in Calgary for his integrity and intellect.
My sincerest condolences to Marg and the family on your tremendous loss. Alberta and Canada have lost a titan of a gentleman.
Angelo & Petronella Serafini
January 23, 2016
To Marg Southern and family, we want to express our sincere condolences with the passing of Ron. May the good memories ease your sorrow in the days ahead.
Rev. Don Unterschultz
January 23, 2016
Our sympathy to Marg and Family. I had the pleasure of going to Stanley Jones Elementry School and being a classmate with Ron. It was wonderful to visit with him on various occasions
Claire Ziff
January 23, 2016
As someone whose family and horses have enjoyed visiting and competing at Spruce Meadows over the years, I wanted to extend my heartfelt condolences to the Southern family, and all their friends.
Iris Evans
January 23, 2016
Ron was a true champion and as someone who admired his initiative and enthusiasm for the interests he embraced, I was privileged to meet him and work with him on projects that benefitted our community and many others. God Bless you Margaret , Nancy , Linda and your families.
Merle Dulmadge
January 23, 2016
I was teaching a leadership class one day at Atco and in walked Mr. Southern at lunchtime, curious as to what we were doing. He sat with us for an hour talking over leadership approaches. For all his accomplishments, Mr . Southern was an approachable, down to earth person who was liked and respected by all.
January 23, 2016
As a former employee and friend of the Pallister family we send our condolences to Margaret & Family
?Bill & Lorraine Pallister
January 23, 2016
As a former employee and friend of the Pallister family, I wish to send our condolences to Margaret and family.
Bill & Lorraine Pallister
January 23, 2016
For many years my mother, Danny, worked at Spruce Meadows. So many times she would quote to us verbatim whatever she and Ron had discussed in the show ring. For her Ron's word was golden. She admired Ron and was grateful to the Southern Family for including her at Spruce Meadows. On her behalf I would like to offer condolences, not only to the Southern Family but to all who will miss Ron but also raise a glass to a life well lived.
Adam Hardwicke Brown
harry ophof
January 23, 2016
As a former employee and admirer of Mr. Southern please accept my deepest condolences to Mrs. Southern and all the family on your loss.
Showing 1 - 69 of 69 results
5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more