Ranch Ehrlo founder Geoff Pawson dies

Geoff Pawson, the social worker who founded the Ranch Ehrlo Society, has died at age 73.

Pawson died Monday in Arizona after a brief battle with cancer.

In 1966, the Calgary-born Pawson founded what is now known as the Ranch Ehrlo Society, a long-term residential treatment centre for youth coping with drug addiction, alcoholism and family and social problems. It now has three campuses, including its main one near Pilot Butte, east of Regina.

The first Ranch Ehrlo home cared for six youths. Today, the society cares for around 250.

Pawson was CEO of the non-profit agency until recently.

"It's a great gap that many of us are feeling right now," said Marion MacIver, the acting president and CEO.

Despite the sadness, there's confidence that Pawson's legacy will live on, she said.

"Many of us looked toward Geoff as a visionary leader," MacIver said. "He just felt there was a better way of reaching children and youth than locking them up."

At the time of his death, Pawson had been working on an oral history of the Ranch Ehrlo Society.

Pawson has been awarded the Order of Canada and the Saskatchewan Order of Merit.