Ronald SMITH

Ronald Collier Smith, born on August 6, 1950, sadly passed away on Monday, September 25, 2023, in Calgary, Alberta. Throughout his life, Ron made a significant impact, particularly as the co-proprietor of the Black Bull Dining Lounge, alongside his father Ralph, until 1988. Previously known as the Bar X Steakhouse, the establishment holds a special place in the hearts of many. Although Ron primarily resided in Calgary, his childhood years spent in Gunnar Mines, Sask., ignited an unwavering passion for the North within him. As a young man, he ventured to various locations in northern Alberta, including Inuvik, Pine Point, and Fort Chipewyan. Ron’s deep appreciation for indigenous cultures extended beyond Canada, as he explored the rich heritage of both North American First Nations and Central American pre-Hispanic civilizations. Starting in the 1970s, he embarked on multiple trips to the Yucatan, Guatemala, and Belize, undertaking an extensive driving journey from Calgary. Sadly, Ron is mourned by his loved ones, including his son Aron, mother Lenore, father Ralph, and sister Pamela. However, he is survived by his brothers Scott and Bruce, along with their respective families, and his brother-in-law Daniel Keys. In honor of Ron’s memory, a remembrance service has been scheduled in Calgary for the spring of 2024. Friends and family are invited to share their cherished photographs, memories, and condolences on the website http://www.evanjstrong.com.

Ronald Collier Smith, a beloved individual, drew his last breath on Monday, September 25, 2023, in Calgary, Alberta. Ron will forever be cherished for his partnership with his father Ralph at the Black Bull Dining Lounge, previously known as the Bar X Steakhouse, until 1988. While he primarily resided in Calgary, Ron’s formative years in Gunnar Mines, Sask., sparked a deep affection for the North that remained steadfast throughout his life. In his youth, he ventured to various northern Alberta locations, including Inuvik, Pine Point, and Fort Chipewyan, leaving an indelible mark along the way. Ron’s passion extended beyond his home country, as he ardently explored the native cultures of North American First Nations and Central American pre-Hispanic societies. From the 1970s onward, he embarked on numerous journeys to the Yucatan, Guatemala, and Belize, even undertaking an extensive road trip from Calgary. Ron’s passing leaves behind a void felt by his son Aron, mother Lenore, father Ralph, and sister Pamela. However, he is survived by his brothers Scott and Bruce, their partners and children, as well as his brother-in-law Daniel Keys. The family has organized a remembrance service in Calgary, to be held in the spring of 2024, offering an opportunity for loved ones to honor Ron’s memory. Memories, photographs, and condolences are warmly welcomed on the website http://www.evanjstrong.com.

On Monday, September 25, 2023, Ronald Collier Smith bid farewell in Calgary, Alberta, leaving behind cherished memories in the hearts of many. Ron’s notable contribution as the co-proprietor at the Black Bull Dining Lounge, previously known as the Bar X Steakhouse, alongside his father Ralph until 1988, is revered by numerous individuals. Although Ron dedicated most of his life to Calgary, his early years spent in Gunnar Mines, Sask., instilled a deep-rooted love for the North within him. As a young adult, he sought opportunities in various areas of northern Alberta, including Inuvik, Pine Point, and Fort Chipewyan. Ron’s profound connection to indigenous cultures encompassed not only North American First Nations but also ancient Central American civilisations. Throughout the 1970s, he embarked on multiple expeditions to the Yucatan, Guatemala, and Belize, even undertaking an extensive driving venture from Calgary. Ron’s passing is mourned by his beloved son Aron, mother Lenore, father Ralph, and sister Pamela. However, his memory lives on through his surviving brothers Scott and Bruce, their respective families, and brother-in-law Daniel Keys. The family has organized a remembrance service in Calgary, scheduled for the spring of 2024, offering an opportunity for friends and family to come together and pay tribute to Ron. Those who wish to share their treasured photographs, memories, and condolences are encouraged to visit the website http://www.evanjstrong.com.