By Equine Canada

Deepest condolences are extended to the family and friends of the late James Carl J.C. Anderson, who passed away on September 3, 2015 at the age of 84.

Anderson, who resided in Calgary, Alberta, had a true passion for horses, which he was able to share with his family, including his wife, Barbara, and all four of their children, John, Sandra, Susan, and the late Bryan, who passed away in 2013 following a riding accident.

Anderson was proud to cheer on all four children in their equestrian pursuits, from competing with ponies in childhood to representing the Canadian Equestrian Team at the international level. 

He was also dedicated to supporting and furthering equestrian sport in Canada. Together with his family, Anderson built the private show jumping facility, Aspen Ridge, in Calgary, AB. Soon after, the scope of the private family farm had grown to holding international-level competitions, even hosting a selection trial for the 1986 World Championships. By 2001, Aspen Ridge had officially become Anderson Ranch, and regularly hosted international calibre competitions. 

In turn, Anderson Ranch grew to include Rocky Mountain Show Jumping (RMSJ), a world-class equestrian facility and tournament management company that hosts over 10 show jumping tournaments a year, and houses up to 500 horses per competition. Anderson's legacy lives on through RMSJ, with his son John, currently at the helm as president.

The Anderson Family, including J.C., were inducted into the Jump Canada Hall of Fame in 2011 under the category of Builder (Organization) in honour of their incredible contributions to show jumping in Canada.

Anderson was also widely known as a pioneer and self-made success story in the business world. In 1968 he started Anderson Exploration, an oil and gas producing company that he built from the ground up, turning his one-man company into one of the largest Canadian companies in its field, providing thousands of people with employment. Anderson sold the company in 2001 went on to launch Anderson Energy, which focused on oil production. In 2006, he was inducted into the Calgary Business Hall of Fame.

In addition to his commitment to the equestrian community, Anderson was passionate about helping the community at large, and regularly supported a wide range of charities, including a donation of $11 million in shares to the Calgary Foundation. 

“J.C. was a true inspiration as a businessman, a builder in the equestrian community, and a philanthropist,” said Equine Canada President, Al Patterson. “He leaves behind an incredible legacy not only in the business world, but also in the equestrian industry and across his community.”

RMSJ TV will be broadcasting a Celebration of Life for J.C. on Sept. 17, 2015 from 3:50 p.m. to 6 p.m. EDT. For more information, click here. 

Main Photo: J.C. and his family are inducted into the Jump Canada Hall of Fame in the category of Builder (Organization) at the 2011 Gala. L-R: Bryan, Susan, Sandra, John, J.C. and Barbara. Photo: Michelle C. Dunn