Founder of Spruce Meadows passes away

The founder and co-chairman of Spruce Meadows “one of the world’s leading showjumping venues” has died aged 85.

Rolex Grand Prix

Ron Southern and his wife Margaret (Marge) bought Copithorne Ranch near Calgary in Canada for their two daughters Nancy and Linda who were both keen showjumpers.

They ran their first competition in 1976 and Spruce Meadows now hosts 300 international and national Jumping events every year – including the Rolex Grand Prix where $1million bonus.

Linda Southern-Heathcott who competed at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta took over as president and CEO of Spruce Meadows in 2006.

International awards

Ron’s achievements were recognised with both Canadian and international awards. He was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1990 in recognition of his promotion of Anglo-Canadian relations in commerce culture and sport.

He also received a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 as well as Canada’s highest civilian honor when he was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1986. 

Ron and Marge were jointly inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

‘Remarkable man’

“It is with great sadness that we learnt of Ron Southern’s passing” said FEI president Ingmar De Vos. “He was truly a remarkable man with a tremendous capacity for life and an incredible love of equestrian sport.

“His business acumen passion drive and vision were evident in all facets of his life and were the characteristics that made Spruce Meadows such a hugely successful venue. 

“He was an incredibly generous man and community leader who gave so much and made a lasting impression on everyone he met. His legacy will live on in the generations of athletes who compete at Spruce Meadows for many years to come. He will be sorely missed.”/p>

Ron is survived by his wife Marge and two daughters Nancy Southern and Linda Southern-Heathcott.