Ron's journey began on the 2nd of June, 1939, in Glasgow. Son of Alexander and Janet Conway, brother to older sister Jean.

Ron was a big family man. For over 50 years, Ron shared the joys and trials of life with his beloved wife, Noreen and their three children, Jennifer, David, and Christopher. The family expanded to welcome his two daughters-in-law, Theresa and Susan, and four adored grandchildren – Isabel, Katie, James and Duncan.

Ron was also passionate about sport, and especially Rugby Union. In 1978, Ron planted new roots with his family in Clevedon, bringing his love for sport with him. At Clevedon Rugby Club he played a pivotal role in establishing the first mini-rugby section, guiding it, and both his sons, through their formative years. His dedication to both his sport and his children knew no bounds, and he also brought his talents to athletics, qualifying as a coach to help propel his daughter Jennifer towards a successful sprinting career. Through sun or rain (mainly rain) Ron, clad in his trademark sheepskin coat, became a familiar figure at athletics tracks and rugby pitches across the UK, happily chauffeuring his three children to races and matches – and much success – every weekend.

Ron's love of rugby was forged at West of Scotland Rugby club, where he not only played as a fly-half in his youth, but also became an integral part of the club and management. The bonds he formed there were unbreakable, and a testament to the enduring connection he shared with the sport and the people who loved it, and he was proud to be made an Honorary Life Member. Ron's involvement with the sport extended beyond his local club. His passion for nurturing young talent led him to become a district selector for the Scottish Rugby Union, and with a group of friends he founded The Saltires rugby team, a touring side of promising young international players from the home nations. Together they embarked on a journey, traversing the globe from the USA to Hong Kong, notching up victories and trophies and forming enduring friendships. Ron was on first-name terms with rugby legends like Doddie Weir, Gavin Hastings and Jason Leonard, who all played for the Saltires.

He pursued his love of rugby alongside a long and successful career at SC Johnson, where Ron, with Noreen's support, was promoted through the sales manager ranks, winning numerous awards and representing the company at International conventions in the US, Europe and Asia as well as joining SC Johnson’s prestigious 20 year club. Ron's infectious personality also helped persuade his company to sponsor the Saltires, who repaid that support by winning several international tournaments, including the Lisbon Seven in 1993.

One of his greatest rugby achievements was organising and co-managing the first (probably) Northern Hemisphere vs Southern Hemisphere rugby game, on 22 March 1991. It was played in Hong Kong, and included two strong teams featuring rugby legends including Sean Fitzpatrick, Nick Farr-Jones, Mike Teague and David Campese to name just a few.

In retirement, Ron continued to indulge his love of the game, travelling to watch Scotland in Six Nations games and at Rugby World Cups. He always said you needed to be very fit, with a strong heart to support Scotland in any sport – so it may have been a blessing when he arrived in Tokyo for the 2019 Japan Rugby World Cup expecting to watch Scotland play in a quarter-final, only to discover that the team was heading home on the same day, having been eliminated at the group stage after being beaten by Japan! Thereafter the experience was a lot less stressful, as Ron watched two quarter-finals – Ireland vs New Zealand and South Africa vs Japan – and both semi-finals – South Africa vs Wales and England vs New Zealand – while sharing a few beers, good conversation, and some interesting local cuisine with fellow rugby fans from around the world.

Sadly we lost Ron to prostate cancer on 9th January, but we’re happy that his legacy lives on through the memories of the many lives he touched, and the teams and the players he helped to shape. The love and the friendships that surrounded him are a testament to a life well lived.

In memory of Ron, in lieu of flowers we would kindly request that friends and family donate to the Prostate Cancer Research charity.