Ronald D Southern

C.C., C.B.E., A.O.E., B.Sc., LL.D • 1930 – 2016

It is with great sadness that Spruce Meadows announces the passing on January 21, 2016 of its Founder and Co-Chairman, Ronald D. Southern.

In April of 1975 the Southern family officially opened Spruce Meadows. Over the last 40 years, Spruce Meadows, as a result of the leadership and vision of Ron Southern, has become an iconic sports venue and is today recognized as the leading venue in the world for international show jumping.

The Founder’s simple recipe of “Good Friendship, Good Commerce and Good Sport” has provided valuable guidance and a wonderful platform for Spruce Meadows through the decades. So too has his genuine lifelong commitment to excellence, which he brought to everything in his life.


EXCELLENCE

 “Going far beyond the call of duty.
Doing more than others expect.
This is what excellence is all about.

It comes from striving for and maintaining the highest standards,
looking after the smallest detail and going the extra mile.

Excellence means caring.
It means making a special effort to do more.”

- R.D. Southern