A Unique CEO
Ron was the only latter-times Qantas Chief Executive to have come from an engineering discipline, and one for whom there was immense respect. Those who were employed during the Yates Era were privileged to have had him at the controls.
That he accepted the offer to be Patron of the 707 Restoration Project carried out by many of his ex-employees in 2006 gave them all an acute sense of connection to that marvellous time in Qantas' history.
Ron's encouragement of that recovery of VH-XBA, "his 707", was highlighted when, following a business trip to Paris, on 6 November '06 he called in to Southend Airport and spent most of the day talking with the engineers. They were more than impressed with his memory of the details of that aeroplane he so skilfully negotiated changes to that saw Boeing produce this one-off just for his airline.
When Ron's late wife was asked how she viewed his many achievements in the industry, which saw giant technical advancements and innovation, she replied: "Forget all those fancy aeroplanes and jets and things, it was the introduction of in-bound Duty Free that was his greatest contribution."
Men of Ron's character are rare and Australian aviation history made richer by his life, is now poorer by his passing. He will be remembered for many, many different reasons.
Finished With Engines, Shutdown Checklist Complete.