Ron's extraordinary life of service continues at North Lakes Terrace Care Community

Across Australia, you don’t have to look far to find the helpers. The people who give without thought of reward. The ones who are always there to lend a hand, or an ear, to the people who need it most.

 Ron, who lives at North Lakes Terrace Care Community, is one of those people. Ron also goes by the name “Handles” – it’s a fitting moniker, because Ron has a lengthy list of accomplishments in an incredible life. And while he’s achieved so much in the service of others, Ron likes to keep it simple.

"I do the things that I do to help others,” he says. “I like helping others. It’s good to help people whenever you can."

And Ron is true to his word.

“Ron will help anyone in need,” says Christina, Lifestyle Coordinator at North Lakes Terrace Care Community. “He’s an active member of our Garden Committee, our Food Focus group, he supports our maintenance team, and he loves to help out on the BBQ.” 

As a young man, Ron served his country in the Vietnam War before moving to Darwin, where he played rugby league with the Litchfield Bears. To understand the impact Ron made, look no further than the award given each year to the club’s Most Valuable Junior Player, which is named after him.

At the same time, Ron trained greyhounds and racehorses with success, counting the Darwin Cup among his wins. Later, he moved to Turkey Beach in Queensland where he spent his days crabbing, fishing, and camping with his best mate, Ray.

Ron worked to secure a new war memorial in the town, with the Turkey Beach Cenotaph dedicated in 2012. He served as Captain of the Service for more than a decade, bringing the community together on ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day. Ron also leads the service at North Lakes Terrace Care Community, reading the Ode of Remembrance, and laying wreaths.

For Ron’s family, seeing him continuing to live an active life full of purpose is comforting.

"It's so good to see Dad so happy,” said one of Ron’s children. “It's reassuring to know that he’s living a life here as he would have if he were at home." 

Pictures: Ron (right), with friend, musician and ex-serviceman, Selwyn King. Selwyn played the bugle at this year’s ANZAC Day service at North Lakes Terrace Care Community.