Ron D. Southern, founder and Co-Chairman of Calgary’s world-renowned Spruce Meadows equestrian facility, and iconic Alberta entrepreneur and businessman, passed away January 21, 2016. He was 85. In 1971, Ron Southern and his wife Margaret purchased a feedlot south of Calgary from Copithorne Ranch, with the vision of establishing a world-class equestrian facility. In the spring of 1975 they brought their vision to life with the opening of Spruce Meadows. The show jumping facility quickly became not only Canada’s premier riding venue, but was also recognized internationally.