It is with deep sadness that Kev Horton (Hon Sec PIB-NGIB-HQ-PIR Assoc) passes on the sad news from Ron’s wife Trixie that “Ron passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday night, 10th July. He had been battling Motor Neurone for some time. Trixie was supported by all their family being present during his last days. Ron was one of the association’s most valued members with his service in PNG spanning three decades from the early 1950’s to the 1970’s. Recent articles on our website are a testimony to his depth and wealth of knowledge. His quiet demeanor and friendship will be sorely missed”.
Ron graduated from the Officer Cadet School at Portsea in June 1952, and soon after was posted to the Pacific Islands Regiment. He served in regimental appointments in Queensland for three years until November 1957 when he filled a staff appointment in Tasmania Command. This was followed by a staff appointment with the 28th Commonwealth Infantry Brigade in Malaya/Singapore. From 1962-64 he served with 1st Battalion, The Royal Queensland Regiment and then, on promotion to Major in December 1964 ,he returned to the Pacific Islands Regiment. He graduated from the Australian Army Staff College at Queenscliff, Vic, to a staff appointment at the Headquarters of 1st Division in Sydney before serving 12 months in South Vietnam, as the Operations Officer 1st Australian Logistic Support Group, at Vung Tau, for which he was Mentioned in Despatches. He returned to Sydney on the headquarters of 1st Division before being appointed as the Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion, The Pacific Islands Regiment, in Papua-New Guinea.
Ron was in the first group of officers to graduate from the Officer Cadet School at Portsea and was the first Portsea graduate to be appointed to command a regiment or battalion in the Australian Army.
His funeral will be held this Friday 15th July at 10.30 am at the Uniting Church, Webster Rd, Bongaree and after at noon at the Bribie Island RSL.
No flowers, donations to Legacy.
Rest in Peace Ron your duty has been done
