Sad news with word that Ron Southern passed away today at the age of 85.

Southern's business talents included turning the Alberta Trailer Company into the  international powerhouse ATCO.

He and his wife Marg established the world famous Spruce Meadows show jumping facility which provided a taste of world class competition to many local area riders..

In a statement Premier Rachel Notley says “Ron’s many endeavours created Alberta jobs, contributed to our pride and made Alberta a show-jumping destination. We are forever grateful for his vision, his generosity and his shining example of community support."

He was honoured in 2012 with the Alberta Order of Excellence and a Queen Elizabeth ll Jubilee Medal and was made a Companion of the Order of Canada in 2006.