A family photo of Ron Barge, creator of the children’s show "Buck Shot" in Calgary on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Todd Korol


September 21, 2024 Tags:

Longtime children's TV star Ron "Buck Shot" Barge was honored Friday as hundreds of family members, friends, and fans gathered in Calgary for a public memorial. This marked the final tribute to a beloved figure who entertained generations of Calgarians for three decades with his show, "The Buck Shot Show."

For 30 years, Buck Shot, along with his sidekick Benny the Bear, delighted audiences with songs, puppetry, the famous birthday book, and his well-worn cowboy hat. Barge passed away at home last month, just ten days shy of his 88th birthday.

The memorial took place at noon, coinciding with the time "The Buck Shot Show" would air in southern Alberta. Barge’s son, Ken, reflected on the significance of the gathering: "In our heart of hearts, we wouldn't have done it this big if we didn't feel it was right for him, but he was a showman. He was an entertainer. We wanted to give him this final joy, this last hurrah. It’s been a reawakening of who my dad was because it's been many years since he was Buck Shot."

"Buck Shot" became one of Canada’s longest-running children’s shows, even outlasting classics like "Mr. Dressup" and "The Friendly Giant." Barge originally created the show while working as a cameraman and floor director at Calgary’s CFCN. His natural ability to connect with children and elicit heartfelt responses made the show a success.

Ken also shared that his father was the same person off-screen as he was on TV: "He wasn’t pretentious. He never talked down to people. He just talked, and everyone was his friend."

Jimmy Hughes, a longtime Calgary TV weatherman and close friend of Barge, spoke of Buck Shot’s immense popularity: "Buck Shot was and always will be Calgary's most loved and successful television personality. He had the perfect plan—starting with his fan base when they were just four or five years old. Why didn’t I think of that?"

Though "The Buck Shot Show" aired from 1967 to 1997, Barge continued to make special appearances long after the show ended. His daughter, Brenda Barge, expressed her gratitude for the turnout at the memorial: "We're blessed to have everyone here today. It’s a wonderful way to say goodbye to my daddy."

During the service, Benny the Bear, Buck Shot's old guitar, and a Calgary Flames jersey with "Buck Shot" on the back were displayed on stage. Many attendees, including Barge's family, wore Flames jerseys in tribute. "We asked people to wear them because my daddy was a Flames fan from day one," Brenda explained.

A musician from the age of 16, Barge played piano and sang with the Stardells for over 20 years in Calgary. His family remembered how much he loved the show and the character he created. The live nature of the show often led to playful pranks, especially with the birthday book. "The birthday book was the primary target," Ken recalled, "and the crew would sneak in a bad joke or inappropriate picture, forcing my dad to keep a straight face on live TV."

Ron "Buck Shot" Barge’s legacy as a cherished entertainer lives on, fondly remembered by all who grew up watching his show.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 5 / 5. Vote count: 1

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

You may also like

How Timothée Chalamet transformed into Bob Dylan for 'A Complete Unknown'

NEW YORK — Playing a legend like Bob Dylan is no easy task, but Timothée Chalamet has spent nearly six....

"Blue Bloods" Bids Farewell After 14 Seasons with Shocking Twists

After 14 unforgettable seasons, Blue Bloods aired its final episode on Friday, delivering a mix of heartbreak, joy, and long-awaited....

100 Years of Raj Kapoor: The Greatest Showman of Indian Cinema

Raj Kapoor, celebrated as the "greatest showman of Indian cinema," remains an eternal icon whose groundbreaking work continues to influence....

‘Malcolm in the Middle' Returns with Original Cast

A beloved sitcom is making its way back to screens as Malcolm in the Middle gears up for a fresh....

Does 'Kraven The Hunter' Have A Post-Credit Scene?

The long-awaited Kraven the Hunter movie, featuring a popular villain from the Spider-Man universe, finally hit theatres this week. Directed....

Gladys Knight Celebrates 80th Birthday with Heartfelt Gratitude

Legendary singer Gladys Knight, best known for her timeless hit "Midnight Train to Georgia," marked a major milestone in 2024....

Justin Bieber Opens Up About Lyme Disease and Media Criticism

In January 2020, pop sensation Justin Bieber shared a deeply personal update about his health, revealing that he had been....

Gabriel García’s “One Hundred Years of Solitude” Now in Motion

Netflix continues its stellar streak in 2024 by adding a cinematic triumph to its repertoire—an ambitious adaptation of Gabriel García....

The Amazing Kreskin George Kresge Jr., Passed Away at Age 89

The Amazing Kreskin, a beloved mentalist who captivated television audiences for generations with his extraordinary mind-reading feats and uncanny predictions,....

Selena Gomez Engaged to Benny Blanco: ‘Forever Begins Now’

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco have been dating since June 2023 The announcement, shared via a carousel of photos, gave....

The Voice Season 26 Crowns New Champion! Find Out Who Won

Sofronio Vasquez, Shye, Jeremy Beloate, Sydney Sterlace, and Danny Joseph were among the finalists for Season 26 of The Voice.....

Jamie Foxx Opens Up About Stroke, Brain Bleed in New Comedy Special

Jamie Foxx recently opened up about the serious health scare he experienced last year during his new stand-up comedy special,....