Arthur Smith

Born May 16, 1919, Calgary; died June 30, 2008

Occupation: RAF pilot, entrepreneur, politician and community leader

Contribution: Often referred to as Mr. Calgary, the hardworking Art Smith mirrored his belief in the city’s potential. After the Second World War, he ventured into business; won seats in all three levels of government; and eventually became a delegate to the UN. Smith worked his way up the corporate ladder, holding high-ranking jobs in the oil industry, most notably with SNC Lavalin. He was involved with the 1988 Winter Olympics, the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, the Calgary Stampeders, the Calgary Homeless Foundation, the Calgary Economic Development Authority and the Calgary Airport. His honours include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Order of Canada, Alberta Order of Excellence and the Art Smith Aero Centre at SAIT.

Quote: “We’ve had an improvement in corporate Calgary’s attitude ... but we need more people from the business community to get off their wealthy butts — especially the young millionaires we breed every day.”