Ron Trewick’s final day on earth was typical of the way he lived his life.
The 76-year-old passed away suddenly at home on October 13, 2018 after tending to his sheep in the morning, playing bowls in Echuca and going out to dinner.
The eldest son of Tom and Ruth Trewick, Ron was born on February 27, 1942.
He attended Elmore Primary School and Bendigo Junior Technical School before embarking on a 61-year farming obsession when he left school at 15 to help his father on the farm.
Ron married Lorraine Strauch on February 20, 1965. Together they had four children: Darren, Jeff, Kristine and Vickie.
Working long hours was typical for Ron, despite lacking the creature comforts of modern farming.
He worked hard in the early days when tractors had no cabins. He was known to work all night in a flying suit to keep warm. In his later years Ron could never understand what people meant when they spoke of farming’s “good old days”.
“Today you can almost work in a collar and tie with all the modern machinery,” Ron often said.
Farming was an enormous part of Ron’s life and he loved every minute. It was a passion and something he was always proud to do right.
Despite telling people he was retired, he never truly gave up farming.
“He was always looking to progress the business and was never scared of trying new things,” Lorraine said.
“He would do his homework and if he saw a possibility to improve and move forward he was always willing to have a go.
“Ron’s drive for constant improvement and forward thinking has not only built a successful business but earned him a high level of respect in the community.”
Ron also loved to travel, especially in the outback. He and Lorraine travelled extensively around Australia and had several overseas adventures.
Ron’s passion outside farming was community and the friendships he made through his various activities.
He was a foundation committee member and life member of the Elmore Field Days and served on the committee for 54 years until his death.
He was also a life member of the Elmore Cricket Club and Elmore Fire Brigade and was involved with multiple other local clubs and organisations.
Ron always loved helping in the community and was often asked for advice by younger people because of his experience, Lorraine said.
“His love for his community was outstanding as he became involved in so many organisations in his life,” she said.
“Love of sport extended across his whole life. His love of fire brigade competitions, football, cricket, tennis, golf and bowls extended beyond his own game.
“Ron loved playing but got so much enjoyment out of watching his children and grandchildren.
“His presence on Saturdays at the football and netball will be missed by many.”
Ron is survived by wife Lorraine, children Darren, Jeff, Kristine and Vickie, daughters in law Liz and Lil, sons in law Danny and Dave and 14 grandchildren.
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