Downtown Commercial in Calgary in Calgary Metropolitan Region, Alberta — Canada’s Prairie Region (North America)

Arthur Ryan Smith

1919-2008

— An Alberta Champion —

Arthur Ryan Smith Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 1, 2022

1. Arthur Ryan Smith Marker

Inscription.
Arthur Smith, OC, AOE, D.F.C, Order of Merit (Hungary), LLD (Hon.) was born in Calgary. In 1940, he enlisted in the military, serving as an RAF Bomber Command Pilot and receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Mr. Smith later held the offices of Calgary City Alderman, Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Member of Parliament and delegate to the United Nations.

Smith was an astute businessman, holding many senior positions including Senior Management Consultant to SNC-Lavalin Inc. He played an integral role in creating both the Calgary and Alberta Economic Development Authorities. Smith founded The Calgary Homeless Foundation and was a founding member of the Calgary Booster Club.

Smith was invested as a member of the Order of Canada in 1988, and promoted to Officer in 2003. In 1997, he received the Alberta Order of Excellence. He was appointed Honorary Colonel of 4 Wing, Cold Lake, Alberta in 2008.

Arthur Smith was a compassionate, dynamic and innovative individual who mentored many people in all walks of life. He will be remembered for his significant contributions to our community.

Erected by Alberta Champions

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Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce • Patriots & Patriotism • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Valor in Aerial Operations series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1919.

Location. 51° 2.816′ N, 114° 4.328′ W. Marker is in Calgary, Alberta, in Calgary Metropolitan Region. It is in Downtown Commercial. It can be reached from 7 Avenue Southwest just west of 4 Street Southwest, on the right when traveling west. Marker is located between the 4 Street SW Light Rail Station and Harley Hotchkiss Gardens, on the south side of Courthouse Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 611 4 Street Southwest, Calgary AB T2P 1T1, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Alberta’s Calgary Area.

It is also in the Prairies.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony

and also Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are

Marker detail: Arthur Ryan Smith image. Click for full size.

July 1, 2022

2. Marker detail: Arthur Ryan Smith

within walking distance of this marker: Maude Riley (here, next to this marker); W. O. Mitchell (a few steps from this marker); Grant MacEwan (a few steps from this marker); Sir James Alexander Lougheed (a few steps from this marker); Annie Gale (a few steps from this marker); Site of Calgary's Original Court House (within shouting distance of this marker); The T. Eaton Co. Limited (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Great White Way (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Calgary.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Alberta Champions

Also see . . .
1. Arthur Ryan Smith.

Mr. Smith began his political career in 1952, when he won an aldermanic seat in the Calgary municipal election. Two years later, he left that post when he won a seat in the Alberta Legislature. In 1957, he became a Member of Parliament in a landslide vote, serving there until 1962. While serving as an MP, Smith was chosen as a delegate and advisor to the United Nations, as well as being a representative on the Special Political Committee of the General Assembly.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 1, 2022

3. Arthur Ryan Smith Marker
(looking north from 4 Street SW Light Rail Station • Harley Hotchkiss Gardens in background)
In 1963, Smith returned to municipal politics, serving as an alderman until 1967.

(Submitted on April 30, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Arthur Ryan Smith.

Following his public service career, Mr. Smith resumed his business career. Through the years, he worked for various corporations. For 18 years, Mr. Smith was the President and Chief Executive Officer for the predecessor company to SNC-Lavalin Inc. He has received international awards for marketing.

(Submitted on April 30, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

3. Arthur Ryan Smith.

He served as an executive on numerous companies, sat on public boards, and volunteered in youth sports programs. In 1988 he was appointed Chief of Protocol for the 1988 Winter Olympic Games in Calgary. In 1998, Smith founded the Calgary Homeless Foundation, a registered charity committed to end homelessness in Calgary.

(Submitted on April 30, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 324 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 30, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.