Ron Northcott

Ronald Charles Northcott, known affectionately as "The Owl," was a prominent figure in the world of curling, celebrated for his remarkable achievements as a three-time national and world champion. Born on December 31, 1935, in Innisfail, Alberta, he spent his formative years in Vulcan and Milo, where his father owned a store. Northcott's curling journey began at the age of fifteen while he was still in high school, culminating in a provincial championship victory in 1953.

Northcott's exceptional skills led him to represent Alberta at six Briers, Canada's prestigious national men's championship. His debut at the Brier came in 1963, where he played third for Jimmy Shields, finishing just shy of the championship title. The following season marked a turning point as Northcott began skipping his own team, securing a second provincial championship in 1964 and leading his rink to the Macdonald Brier.

Throughout the late 1960s, Northcott's teams consistently excelled, culminating in a historic victory at the 1966 Scotch Cup, where they triumphed over Scotland in the final. His prowess continued with a second Brier championship in 1968, followed by another successful run in 1969, where his team went undefeated. Northcott's competitive curling career concluded in 1979, leaving behind a legacy of excellence.

In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Northcott was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in 1970 and the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame in 1973. His accolades continued with his induction into the WCF Hall of Fame in 2013 and being named a Member of the Order of Canada in 1976, solidifying his status as a curling legend.