Ron ‘Buck Shot’ Barge, Creator of Iconic Calgary Children’s Show, Dies at 87

• Ron ‘Buck Shot’ Barge, the beloved creator and star of The Buck Shot Show, has died at the age of 87.
• Barge’s iconic children’s program, which ran from 1967 to 1997 on CFCN in Calgary, was the longest-running children’s show in Canadian history.
• Known for his signature white cowboy hat and charming performances with characters like Benny the Bear, Clyde the Owl, and Heathcliffe the Dragon, Barge entertained generations of children with educational and fun content.
• Even after The Buck Shot Show ended, Barge remained a cherished figure in the community, making public appearances and receiving ongoing recognition for his contributions to Calgary’s cultural heritage.

Ron ‘Buck Shot’ Barge, the creator and star of the beloved Calgary children’s program The Buck Shot Show, passed away on August 17, 2024, at the age of 87.

Barge played the character “Buck Shot” on CFCN in Calgary from 1967 until 1997, captivating audiences alongside his animated co-stars, Benny the Bear, Clyde the Owl, and Heathcliffe the Dragon.

Together, they brought joy and education to young viewers, making The Buck Shot Show a staple of Calgary’s television landscape. At the time of its cancellation, the show was the longest-running children’s program in Canadian history.

Donning his iconic white cowboy hat, which became synonymous with his character, Barge entertained children with songs, sketches, and valuable life lessons. Whether it was teaching fire and water safety or performing renditions of playful songs like “Sixteen Chickens and a Tambourine,” Barge’s presence on screen was both comforting and delightful.

The show’s theme music, a playful adaptation of Beethoven’s “Turkish March” titled “The Elephant Never Forgets,” became an instantly recognizable tune for its young audience.

The Buck Shot Show originally aired six days a week, with Barge and his co-host Jim Lewis, who played Benny the Bear, delivering fun-filled content to children across Calgary. The duo’s chemistry and the show’s relatable content made it a beloved fixture in homes across the city. Even after the show moved to weekend mornings in 1992 under the title Tune In, Barge’s influence remained strong.

After the show went off the air, Barge and his character Buck Shot continued to be active in the Calgary community. They frequently appeared at local events, ensuring that the legacy of The Buck Shot Show lived on in the hearts of those who grew up watching it.

The impact of Barge’s work was so profound that in 2015, a petition was launched to erect a statue in his honor. His famous cowboy hat was also displayed at the newly built Sam Centre on Stampede Park as part of a cowboy hat exhibit in May.

The news of Barge’s death was shared by his family on social media, prompting an outpouring of love and memories from Calgarians who fondly remembered the joy he brought into their lives. Fans, some of whom were part of a fan club created in the 1960s, expressed their deep appreciation for the childhood icon who had been an integral part of their early years.

Barge’s death marks the end of a significant chapter in Canadian television history, as his show remains a cherished memory for countless Calgarians.