By KATH GANNAWAY
WARBURTON elder, Ron Howard, has been farewelled with dance, music, song and stories … lots of endearing and funny stories.
Ron, who moved to Warburton in the 1970s with his late wife, Anna-Maria, passed away at his Big Pats Creek home on 15 October.
He was just three months shy of his 100th birthday on 27 January, 2016.
Unsurprisingly, he chose to make his final public appearance in a spectacular mulberry-coloured coffin.
Hundreds of people, representing almost every aspect of the community he loved, gathered on Wednesday at the Seventh-Day Adventist church and later at the Mechanic’s Institute Hall to pay tribute and to celebrate a life lived with joy, generosity and flair.
An inspiration with his energy and positive take on life, Ron featured in the Mail on many occasions.
He was a reliable contact on local issues and a valued friend of the Upper Yarra Mail.
Interview by the Mail for his 90th birthday he recalled first visiting Warburton in 1946 and riding up on the timber tram to Starlings Gap and the Federal Mill.
“It was a wonderful experience to see it then in its natural state,” he recalled.
In 1970 he and Anna-Maria, bought a block of land at Big Pat’s Creek and a short time later moved their California bungalow house from Beaumaris to become part and parcel of the landscape and the community.
Many tributes from family and friends spoke of that wonderful life and of Ron’s Warburton legacy.
His grandsons, Oscar and Theo Howard were among family members who wore bow ties as a salute to Ron’s trade-mark fashion style and who gave moving tributes.
Oscar noted there was a certain sense of the ridiculous in his grandfather’s choice of coffin.
“For anyone here, it’s one thing that doesn’t need explaining,” he said.
“I think in his eyes, family extended well beyond those who were related to him, to neighbours and friends,” he said.
“To go get some milk would take pretty much a day, and another day for coffee,” he said of Ron’s favourite hang-out, the main street of Warburton.
He noted the old Crundish Cafe where he had a coffee named after him as a favourite haunt.
The bespoke coffee gave a nod to his love of pushing the boundaries.
“It had a shot of whisky flavouring in it and I think Ron loved the idea that he was having alcohol at that hour of the morning, despite the fact it was just a flavouring.”
Theo spoke of Ron as a unique person who had strong personal standards, was hard-working, a thorough gentleman who always stuck up for what he believed in.
His comment: “Ron managed to strike a balance between being a perfect gentleman and being a total bad-ass,” drew nods of recognition and laughter.
Family and friends moved to the Mechanics Institute Hall to reminisce in a place that held a special place in Ron’s heart.
He had been one of the strongest advocates for the restoration of the hall, kicking off a fund with a donation of $200 at a public meeting on the future of the dilapidated building in 2004.
He had hoped to celebrate his 90th birthday at the Mechanics but when it wasn’t ready in time, the big bash was held at the Arts Centre next door.
Guests were asked to make a donation towards a piano fund in lieu of birthday gifts.
“At my age, what do I want … I just want to get the hall done,” he told the Mail at the time. $600 was raised on the night and with some further donations the piano became a reality.
He sang and danced at numerous events in the hall over the past decade.
Former Post Master and friend Norman Orr was among many who shared stories of Ronny. He spoke with affection and humour of Ron’s sometimes “ribald” jokes, long chats, and of how he sang in the main street when he and his wife retired.
“I was able, through Ron, to see how get that little bit more out of places like Warburton when you meet characters like Ronny.
“We were very proud when we finished up and he sang ‘We’ll meet again’ on the steps of the post office,” he said.
Local photographer, Ivan Gaal also paid tribute. His portrait of Ron dancing in the Mechanics Hall is currently on tour in Queensland as part of the 2015 National Photographic Portrait Prize touring exhibition.
“Ron is still dancing at 98” was one of 44 portraits selected from 2500 entries from around Australia.
“His portrait is hanging somewhere Cairns or another gallery in far north Queensland,” he said.
“Certainly, Ron is still dancing.”
