From what I've been told, he was Chief Tiff in Otama at one stage. Today I received an email from Bob Nelson, who grew up and remained good mates for most of their lives. There would be quite a few Tiffies who might remember Bob, as he was the Instructing Officer for the "Q" Course at Cerberus from 1980 onwards.
Here is Bob's story about Ron:
It was with heavy heart that I read the email about Ron’s passing and I would like to provide some background as you requested which I hope may be of some help. I would appreciate you passing on my deepest sympathies to his family. I regard Ron as a brother and when we were younger we were very close. However, we have lost contact over the years and totally since my dad died.
I first met Ron in 1967. My mum and dad took over the Barnardo orphanage at Belmont South (south of Newcastle) in 1966. One of the first things they did was to encourage those who grew up in the home to come back for visits. Once one started the word soon got out and most weekends we had one or two stay with us. Ron was one of the first to start coming home. To me Ron was always special because he was in the Navy, something I had always aspired to do. In fact I had wanted to join up as an apprentice but my dad would not agree. Ron was in Barnardo’s care in England and relocated to Australia. He was able to gain entry in the RAN through less than ideal circumstances which is a genuine credit to him. Ron would come home very regularly and even spent his leave with us. Ron and I became very close and played a bit of football (league) together, we went sailing and I would look forward to his visits.
One particular instance I would like relate demonstrates how much he valued the life he enjoyed at the Barnardo home. Part of the Barnardo approach was that the man of the house, my dad, would go out to work just like in a normal household. My dad was a Patrol Officer with the MSB. At one time he fell off a small motor cycle he used at work and fractured his elbow. He would have been unable to work so Ron requested compassionate leave to help my dad out. He spent two weeks being dad’s driver. During this time my mum took a photo of dad and Ron in their uniforms and Ron had the image put on a plate. This plate always remained on display at their house. It was always great to have Ron around nothing was too hard or too difficult for him.
Another amazing story is that Ron’s Mum, Phyllis Bateman was sponsored to come to Australia and work at the Barnardo home. Aunt Phil, as she was known, was a kind thoughtful lady and pretty well became a second mum to me. When the Barnardo home closed, Aunt Phil wanted to stay in Newcastle so she lived with my mum and dad for many years. She was always excited to see her grandchildren not only Ron’s but mine as well. She was and remained fiercely proud of Ron and his achievements, especially his family. I guess the down side was that Ron lived in Sydney and she lived in here in Newcastle.
As time went on I ended up joining the Navy as an Instructor Officer and taught engineering sciences. I was posted to the Marine Engineering School HMAS CERBERUS in 1980. My major role was to teach what was then known as the “Q” course. A paraprofessional course for senior sailors of the Marine Engineering specialisation (MTP). This was a highly competitive course and Ron was one of the youngest to be selected. It was absolutely amazing for me to have such an important posting and have my brother on the first course. The six months of the course was great and Ron spent quite a bit of time with us. In fact it was good for me to get honest and frank feedback from Ron, he was always looking to improve things. What I learned from this first course helped me no end and it was due in part to my strong relationship with Ron and his forthright manner.
As time went on Ron advanced his career in the submarine world and I went my way. Just before he left the Navy I was in officer’s postings asked to talk to Ron about some career options. My boss the Director of Naval Officer’s Postings had been approached by people within the submarine arm. He and I spoke with Ron and whilst I was not privy to all the background information Ron was made an outstanding offer, such was the esteem in which he was held by the senior submarine fraternity. Ultimately Ron decided his future lay elsewhere.
The last time I saw Ron was after his mother died and we helped him with funeral arrangements. It was difficult for him living in Sydney and having a very busy life but he and Sue did the best they could. Aunt Phil would have been proud. I saw her in Hospital just before she died and she was very sick with various failing organs. She spoke fondly of Ron’s achievement in life and particularly the grandchildren. Before she came to Australia she had no expectation of ever being involved in Ron’s life at all. This is perhaps an aspect of Ron’s life which is not so well known. He had a mum who loved him and was very proud of him.
The only way I had of keeping up with Ron was through my dad. At one stage dad said he had heard from Sue and that Ron had dementia and was going down hill quickly. I had determined to take my dad to see him but dad became quite ill and once he recovered, almost a year later, he said that Ron would no longer recognise us. This upset my dad deeply and when he was in intensive care, the day before he died, one of the people he asked about was Ron. Such was the impact Ron had on my Dad.
Whilst we are not direct family I would like to say that it was privilege and honour to count Ron as my brother. He was always a good person and I hope the above may be of some value to you. He had a positive and welcome impact on my life.
If you would like anything further please contact me. Can you also convey Julie’s and my own deepest sympathies to his family.
Regards
Bob Nelson, OAM
CMDR RAN Retired.
Thank you very much for this information which I will pass on to Ron’s son James.
The funeral service will be streamed via YouTube. Search for RSL Chapel live stream from 1.50PM Friday 3rd Sept.
Kind regards
Bob
BOB DURBIN
Chaplain
| RSL ANZAC Village | 4 Colooli Road Narrabeen NSW 2101 | E: bob.durbin@rsllifecare.org.au | T: 02 8978 4380 | M: 0458 005 280 | F: 02 9982 6604 | http://www.rsllifecare.org.au |
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Whilst the name sounds familiar, I don't recall ever meeting 'Googy', Smiley, but then again, as he joined RANATE with you, six months before I graduated, you how it was... all 'Sprogs' looked alike...! 
Nonetheless, Ron was a fellow MOBI and yet another taken too young... 
VALE Ron, rest on your oars, Matey, your journey's done... 
R.I.P. 
