Mr. Ronald D. Southern

  • Deceased
  • Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Order of Canada

  • Member of the Order of Canada

    • Awarded on: June 23, 1986
    • Invested on: November 12, 1986

    Ronald Southern is a Canadian business icon. Chair of the ATCO Group, he has displayed vision, leadership and an astute sense of business that have guided the company's steady growth from a small trailer rental company into an international conglomerate. A Canadian success story, ATCO boasts operations in 10 countries, and provides employment to more than 7,000 people. Continuing to co-chair Spruce Meadows, an equestrian centre of international renown, he is an engaged host of its round table forums on world affairs. Preferring to remain a discreet philanthropist, he is a benefactor who has few parallels. This is a promotion within the Order.

  • Companion of the Order of Canada

    • Awarded on: October 5, 2006
    • Invested on: May 04, 2007

    Ronald Southern is a Canadian business icon. Chair of the ATCO Group, he has displayed vision, leadership and an astute sense of business that have guided the company's steady growth from a small trailer rental company into an international conglomerate. A Canadian success story, ATCO boasts operations in 10 countries, and provides employment to more than 7,000 people. Continuing to co-chair Spruce Meadows, an equestrian centre of international renown, he is an engaged host of its round table forums on world affairs. Preferring to remain a discreet philanthropist, he is a benefactor who has few parallels.

  • Officer of the Order of Canada

    • Awarded on: May 8, 2003
    • Invested on: May 14, 2004

    A strong presence in the business world, Ron Southern heads an international conglomerate that includes ATCO Limited and Canadian Utilities Limited. He was a key player in the construction of a 1000-megawatt, gas-fired power generation and transmission station in England and is recognized for forging strong British-Canadian commercial relations. He has also helped to develop the family-owned equestrian centre, Spruce Meadows, into Canada's premier outdoor show and jumping facility. Channelling large amounts of his time and personal resources towards his many philanthropic endeavours, he sponsors scholarships and hosts important economic and political round-table forums. This is a promotion within the Order.