Vale Ron Davidson

Ron Davidson was a founding member of the Fremantle History Society and an active committee member since the Society formed in 1994. Both Ron and his wife Dianne got very involved with the Fremantle Society and they were at the heart of much of the community action which has resulted in the Fremantle we have today.

Ron enormous contributions to the History Society by instigating and guiding many discussions and debates about issues of importance, through his enormous contribution of articles to the newsletter, his tireless promotion of our programs and the work of the Society through articles in the Herald, suggesting ideas for some of our best meetings and his unswerving support, hardly ever missing a committee or general meeting.

Although history and heritage were loves, his real passions were words and stories. He came from a newspaper family and started life as a journalist working alongside his father at the Sunday Times and then the Mirror. Ron later studied and finally taught Psychology at UWA.

Ron and Pam Harris at Fremantle Studies Day, 2019 | Photo Kristi McNulty

He was a successful author ghost writing two books – Divided Kingdom (with Connie Element) and Anything but Ordinary (with Cecile Dooward). 

Hijinks at the Hotpool and Fremantle Impressions were both published by Fremantle Arts Centre Press as was Fighting for Fremantle, which he co-authored with Diane.  He was a regular at the Fremantle Library’s Local History Collection providing endless amusement as well as edification for previous staff members Pam Harris and Kristi McNulty. Pam always referred to him as having a ‘cheeky glint in his eye’. Ron was also a regular visitor to the offices of the Fremantle Herald with stories, letters, ideas for stories, leads, or he’d just stop by or a visit. He formed a strong and enduring friendship with Andrew Smith, the Herald’s editor.  His memory was incredible and his connections and networks extensive. He seemed to be able to draw the most obscure fact or connection from somewhere in the recesses of his amazing mind no matter what the occasion or the issue.

Ron had a healthy disregard for authority and regulations in general, always ready to challenge and question. He also had a wonderful sense of humour – a key element of his ability to tell a good story. Bob Reece captured it so well in the piece in the Herald a week or so ago. 

As an unusually wicked story bubbled to the surface of his mind, his eyes and then, slowly, his whole face would light up in a beatific smile that drew his listener into a conspiracy against all things pretentious and self-serving. 

Fremantle History Society recognises the great legacy he leaves behind and celebrate our friendship with him and our great joy at knowing him. 

Edited from the obituary by Anne Brake for the Spring Issue of the Fremantle History Society’s Newsletter.

Pam Harris