Castle Hill RSL Group’s longest-serving director, Ron Smith, sadly passed away on Sunday, 16 May, after a long illness.
A retired Navy man, Ron was a devoted father to Rohan and Haylee, a doting husband to the love of his life, Marion, and a dear friend to many, CHRG President Warren Glenny posted on the Club’s website.
“For those of you who knew Ron, you’d know that he loved a story, and at 90 years of age – 53 years of which he was a member of Castle Hill RSL Club and 46 years of which he served as a Director of our Board – he certainly had a few,” said Mr Glenny.
As a long-serving Director, Ron made a significant contribution to the success of CHRG and had an even greater impact on the lives of those associated with the Group over the years, including Members and the community.
Ron was a dedicated Life Member of the Castle Hill RSL sub-Branch, where he served as a President and Secretary, and held the positions of Pensions and Welfare Officer and Co-ordinator of events for Life and Veteran Members for many years – introducing luncheons to recognise Veteran service and renew friendships between those that served.
Ron was also known for his contribution to the community and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for service to Veterans in 2004 – the same year he was awarded an Order of Australia Medal.
Ron will be remembered for his sense of service, sense of belonging, sense of history and sense of humour. He most certainly made an impact in whichever room he was present.
“Rotating Ron, after a full career, has returned his bedding for the last time. Fair winds and smooth seas – rest easy shipmate, we have the watch,” the post concluded.
A memorial has been set up in Castle Hill RSL Club’s foyer. Relatives and friends will farewell Ron at a funeral service at Castle Hill Baptist Church, Showground Road, Castle Hill on Thursday, 20 May.