OBIT: Atco founder Ron Southern dies at 85

CALGARY – Ronald D. Southern, founder and controlling owner of Atco Ltd. passed away on Jan. 21, 2016, at the age of 85. He is survived by his wife Margaret Southern and his daughters Nancy Southern and Linda Southern-Heathcott. Southern controlled Atco through his ownership of substantially all of the voting shares in Sentgraf Enterprise, a private company owned by the Southern family. Sentgraf owns substantially all of the Class II voting shares of Atco. The company has been advised that control of Sentgraf will remain with the Southern family. Nancy Southern will continue as Atco’s chair, president and CEO, positions she has held since 2012 and 2003 respectively. As founder of Atco Group, Southern played a pivotal and visionary role in every major development in the evolution and growth of the company. He was instrumental in leading Atco Group from its very modest beginnings in 1947 through its initial public offering, its acquisition and repatriation of Canadian Utilities, to its vast present day global operations in utilities, energy, structures and logistics. Under his leadership the company expanded its presence and operations well beyond its Alberta base to over 100 countries of the world. Southern's wisdom, passion, resolve and vision will be greatly missed by the people and customers of Atco. Please visit Atco.com. [caption id="attachment_1003713338" align="alignleft" width="252"] Ron Southern[/caption]