Local and regional identity Ron McKellar didn’t expect much business to arise at the monthly Yarrawonga Mulwala RSL Sub-Branch’s Ordinary Meeting on Sunday, December 15.
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But surprise surprise on two fronts! Firstly, it was announced by RSL President Ian Summers that Mr McKellar is being made a Life Member of the organisation.
And upon the announcement, the newest Life Member received a tap on the shoulder from son Andrew who made a secret trip from Melbourne to witness the special occasion.
Also making the journey from Victoria’s capital city was daughter Mandy. Joining in to hear the announcement too was Ron’s sister Elizabeth from Oaklands. And of course there was his wife Joan.
“We kept the secret for a month,” Joan told the Yarrawonga Chronicle. “Mandy and friend Mal were up for Ron’s birthday and said they’d like to go the RSL Christmas Party which was to follow RSL’S December Ordinary Meeting. Knowing full well of Ron’s imminent Life Membership, they said they’d like to attend the meeting!”
“I knew nothing about it!” the recently turned 87-years-of-age Ron said. “It seems as though everybody knew except me!
“When announcing it, I was absolutely dumbfounded, dumbfounded that I should be chosen. But I’m very proud of it.”
Also, very proud of his family is Ron, with wonderful helper wife Joan, business proprietor in boilermaking/welding and 1989 Yarrawonga premiership footballer son Andrew, 52, and daughter Mandy, 50, who served with the Navy for 19 years finishing with the title of Petty Officer in Stores.
Ron served in the Navy from 1951 to 1957 as a telegraphist and his enormous contribution to Yarrawonga Mulwala RSL Sub-Branch earned him life membership.
“Ron McKellar joined the Yarrawonga/Mulwala RSL Sub Branch in 2002 and ever since then he has held a very high place in the estimation of the sub-branch due mainly to his amazing ability to sell Poppies, Anzac Tokens, Legacy Tokens and any worthwhile raffle,” Yarrawonga Mulwala RSL Sub-Branch President Ian Summers told the approximate 70 attendees at the December meeting.
“Ron was our Appeals Officer for many years and his untiring efforts was an inspiration to all. Ron still supports the sub-branch by running our 2 up event every ANZAC Day.
“He was also a committee member for at least eight years.
“Because he seems to be known to everybody, Ron knows who is in hospital and is a frequent hospital visitor although he does not serve on our relevant sub-committee.”
Mr Summers said that Ron also manages to find out about people with pension problems and frequently brings, or sends people along to see RSL’s Pensions Officers.
“He is a strong supporter of our sub-branch, attends meetings and makes his presence felt,” the president said.
“He is always ready to assist other service-related groups and is usually in demand.
“In our estimation Ron McKellar has not only given, but continues to give assistance to our sub-branch and other organisations far beyond that which we could reasonably expect and we feel that acknowledgement is duly warranted.”
Ron is a much revered resident of Mulwala. It was no surprise that in 2007, the former hotelier at Rennie and masseur in Mulwala was named Mulwala and district Citizen of the Year.
And although he was surprised at his latest formal recognition, the award of a RSL Life Member badge and framed Certificate of Life Membership is no surprise to anyone who knows Ron McKellar.
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