By Tony Fryer & Kerrie Davies
THE St Marys RSL sub-Branch, Veterans Support Centre, and wider veteran community are mourning the loss of a man who truly embodied service and mateship — Ron Blakely.
Ron’s contribution and dedication to the St Marys sub-Branch spanned over a decade, first as Assistant Secretary, then Vice President from 2014, and ultimately as President from 2017 until early 2023. During this time, Ron played a key role in shaping the direction and culture of the sub-Branch. He was always warm, friendly and highly respected.
He was a tireless volunteer, taking part in countless care package trips to Randwick Barracks and attending virtually every social event, community outing, and school ANZAC Day presentation. His presence was constant — not out of obligation, but from a genuine commitment to supporting veterans and ensuring their stories were shared and remembered. He attended many school ceremonies and had a particular fondness for Cambridge Park High and Wollemi College. That fondness ran both ways, with CPHS teachers Maggie and Angie stating, “We loved Ron, he always made us a priority and never missed our ceremonies. We will miss him dearly.”
Beyond St Marys, Ron was also Vice President of the Blacktown TPI Association for many years and played a major role in the 176 Air Dispatch Association — the unit where he concluded his distinguished Army career as a Warrant Officer. That dedication to his fellow veterans continued well after his formal service ended, and his impact reached across associations, generations, and communities.
Ron worked as a Welfare Officer for several years, visiting ill Veterans or their partner in hospitals, where he offered guidance to patients about potential access to assistance (programs, equipment, etc) with their post-hospital recovery/rehab. He did this as part of the extensive Wellbeing team from the Veteran Support Centre.
Among his closest mates at the “Train” — the Veterans Support Centre — Ron was known not just for his service, but for his stories. “Ron’s friendly nature will long be remembered,” they say, “and his ‘digger-wacker’ tales will be repeated long into the future.”
To know Ron was to know a man of principle with a great heart. His absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of serving beside him, working with him, or simply calling him a friend.
We extend our sincere condolences to his beloved wife Joy, daughters Kellie and Stacey, and the entire extended family. May they find comfort in the legacy Ron leaves behind — one of unwavering service and lasting camaraderie.
