Obituary of Ronald "Ron" Northcott

December 31, 1935 - Innisfail, Alberta

May 15, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

After having lived a fulfilled and happy life, Ron Northcott, beloved husband of Gerry Northcott (nee McKay) of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, May 15, 2023 at the age of 87 years.

Ron was born in Innisfail, AB and grew up in Vulcan. He married his high school sweetheart Gerry McKay on August 2, 1958. They went on to have two children, Karen and Greg, raising their young family in University Heights, Calgary; then to Canyon Meadows, Calgary in 1995, where they built their dream home overlooking the range of Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club, with a clear view of the 9th hole. 

Ron considered himself "lucky." He was humble. His reputation for kindness, generosity, and old-fashioned manners earned him respect, admiration, and life-long friendships. Even through the most tumultuous times in his life, his kindness and gratitude shone through.

Ron became an accomplished curler at a young age. Representing Vulcan High School, the small-town team won the Provincial High School Boys Championship in 1953. He went on to become a six-time Alberta Men’s Provincial Curling Champion. He skipped three teams to Canadian Brier Championships and three World Curling Championships. Making him part of an elite group of skips to win 3 or more World Titles, along side Ernie Richardson,  Randy Ferby, Peja Lindholm and Nicolas Edin. He was inducted into the Alberta, Canada and World Curling Hall of Fame, the Canada Sports Hall of Fame and was a member of the Order of Canada. He was also awarded Calgary's Athlete of the year in 1966 and 1968. He was the Calgary Stampede parade marshal in 1966 and 1969. 

After retiring from curling, Ron turned his focus to work, family, golf, and thoroughbred horse racing. He was co-founder of Hallmark Tubulars, residing as President for 25 years. Believing in the strength of relationships, Ron travelled to Japan to understand Japanese business culture, their people, and the demands of international trade.  From this entrepreneurial start, Hallmark grew to become one of Canada’s largest and most innovative oilfield service companies of its time.

Ron was a true sports enthusiast. Throughout his life, he shared his love of sports with friends and family. His curling friendships led him to thoroughbred horse racing, becoming part owner of Maple Leaf Stables and eventually Canada West Ranches. Memorable victories in this arena included the Alberta and BC Derby along with a Canadian Derby crown in 1975 with a horse named Pampas Host.  Oh, the fun that was had naming the horses! 

Ron and Gerry joined Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club, a place where business, curling, and golf relationships came together.  Although Ron was most often disappointed in his game (always the competitor), the friendships and on-course games, kept him coming back for more. To extend the golf season, Ron and Gerry later joined De Anza Golf & Country Club in Borrego Springs, California.  Here, Ron & Gerry forged new friendships and welcomed all their Canadian friends and family who needed a break from winter to come and enjoy the desert paradise with them.

Ron and Gerry loved to travel. A memorable Southern France Canal cruise, where Ron was the captain and family, his crew, was likely their most adventurous trip.  Although, the Shuswap houseboat trip in the summer of 2022, where Ron was captain again proved to deliver more than enough adventure for his grandchildren. Trips to Spain, Italy, France, Belgium, Germany, the Caribbean, and more each had their own special place in Ron's heart. Travel closer to home took Ron and Gerry to Las Vegas at least a couple of times each year with friends to enjoy Super Bowl and Horse Racing events.  

Besides his loving wife, Ron is survived by his daughter Karen and son-in-law Dave Cardinal, granddaughter Ella; and son Greg Northcott, grandsons, Riley and Jackson Northcott, all residing in Calgary.  Ron is also survived by his sister Shirley Iles and brother Larry Northcott (Edith Northcott), brothers-in-law, Gordon McKay (Marilyn) and Cody Whiteside, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Ron was predeceased by his parents, Charles Arthur Northcott and Ruth Elizabeth Northcott (nee Ferngren), and his sister Betty-Anne Northcott.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Monday, May 29, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Ron's life immediately following the service at Canyon Meadows Golf & Country Club.  Graveside Service to follow at a later date. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

The family expresses deep gratitude to Ron's family doctor, Dr. Judy Eley for her kind, compassionate, personal, and thorough care.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Shaw Charity Classic Foundation, https://shawcharityclassic.com/donatenow/
 

In living memory of Ron Northcott, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.