Ray Kingsmith
Curling Builder — Inducted 1983
Ray Kingsmith was one of Canada’s most influential curling administrators, dedicating decades of leadership and volunteer service to the growth and international development of the sport.
He began his involvement in organized curling in 1946 at the Glencoe Curling Club in Calgary before joining the Calgary Curling Club, where his commitment and leadership earned him lifetime membership recognition. Kingsmith served on the club’s executive for thirteen years and completed one term as president.
In 1955, he joined the executive of the Southern Alberta Curling Association and later served as president during the 1966–67 season. His contributions were recognized in 1968 when he was named a lifetime member of the association.
Kingsmith’s leadership extended provincially when he was elected to the Alberta Men’s Curling Council in 1966, serving until 1980. His influence continued nationally after being appointed to the executive of the Canadian Curling Association in 1971, where he helped guide the administration and modernization of curling across Canada.
Widely respected for his organizational ability and dedication to athletes and volunteers, Kingsmith played a significant role in strengthening curling at the club, provincial, national, and international levels.
After Induction
Ray Kingsmith’s contributions to curling continued to receive recognition long after his induction. He served as Curling Chairman for the XV Olympic Winter Games held in Calgary in 1988, helping oversee the successful organization of Olympic curling events during a landmark moment for Canadian winter sport.
Following his passing, numerous memorial initiatives were created in his honour to support youth development and recognize excellence in curling administration.
The annual Ray Kingsmith Memorial Golf Tournament raises funds for the Ray Kingsmith High School Bonspiel, while the Kingsmith International Junior Curling Event continues to promote junior curling competition at Calgary’s Glencoe Club.
In addition, the Canadian Curling Association established the Ray Kingsmith Executive of the Year Award in 1991 to recognize outstanding leadership within the sport.
He died of lung cancer at Rockyview Hospital in Calgary in 1988 at the age of 60.
Awards and Honours
- Lifetime Member — Calgary Curling Club
- Lifetime Member — Southern Alberta Curling Association (1968)
- 1981 — Southern Alberta Curling Association Hall of Fame — Builder
- 1986 — Canadian Curling Association Hall of Fame (Past President)
- 1986 — Member, Governor General’s Curling Club
- 1988 — Curling Chairman — XV Olympic Winter Games, Calgary
- 1994 — Canadian Curling Association Hall of Fame — Builder Category
- 2011 — World Curling Freytag Award (Posthumous)
- 2012 — World Curling Hall of Fame
- 1983 — Alberta Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
Career Highlights
- Executive leadership roles at club, provincial, and national curling organizations
- Helped modernize Canadian curling administration during a period of major growth
- Key organizer of curling events for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympic Games
- Advocate for junior curling development in Alberta
