A Life Well Lived: Celebrating Ronald Edmonds
Ronald Edmonds, or Ron as we know him, was born in 1942 – a year of great historical significance.
-
Germany faced decisive setbacks at both Stalingrad and El Alamein.
-
Singapore fell to the Japanese in February, with around 25,000 prisoners taken.
-
The American naval victory at the Battle of Midway in June marked a turning point in the Pacific War.
However, for the Lodge, the most notable event of that year was the birth of Ron Edmonds.
Early Life and Education
A Kent man through and through, Ron began his education at St Margaret’s Primary School, part of the King’s School. He then attended Thomas Aveling School in Rochester, leaving at the age of 15. During his teenage years, Ron joined the Royal Engineer Army Cadets, spending four years based at Fort Clarence on Borstal Road.
Clearly industrious from a young age, Ron secured an engineering apprenticeship at Morgans Timber Co. While this might seem paradoxical at first, sawmills relied heavily on machinery that required skilled engineers to maintain. However, Ron’s career took a different turn. Much to his father’s disapproval, he left the apprenticeship after a year and joined Medway Builders, working as a wood machinist until 1962.
Ron then moved on to BP Maintenance and later BP Installations. Unfortunately, in 1962, BP’s refinery on the Isle of Grain closed, affecting many workers in the area. Ron was one of the fortunate ones. Having passed an examination, he secured a new role in oil distribution. He became an ENTROPO Technician, responsible for pumping aviation fuel to Gatwick and Heathrow airports, as well as managing the logistics of oil distribution by tanker lorries.
During his time at BP, Ron also served as a leading fireman in the works fire service.
Family Life and Freemasonry
In 1963, Ron married Josephine, a farmer’s daughter. Together, they had two children, Carla and Alex, and enjoyed a very happy marriage. Ron’s son Alex was initiated into St George Abadan Lodge No. 6058 in 1994 during Ron’s year as Master of the Lodge. Ron proudly conducted Alex’s second and third degree ceremonies, creating lasting memories for them both.
In 1992, Ron’s position as an ENTROPO Technician came to an end, but he was selected as a Decommissioning Engineer, where he played a key role in shutting down the terminal on the Isle of Grain.
That same year, Ron and Alex started their own business, Edmonds Property Developments. Together, they built three houses on Josephine’s father’s land in All Hallows and took on a variety of building maintenance projects. Alex, a fully qualified carpenter, was integral to their success.
Tragedy struck in 2009 when Ron’s son Alex was killed in a powerboat racing accident. The two had shared a keen interest in the sport, making the loss particularly devastating.
Interests and Passions
Ron led a full and varied life. His wife Josephine ran her own catering business, and Ron developed a passion for cake decoration. He was also an enthusiastic footballer, winning an impressive 27 medals and cups. Beyond football, he loved sea fishing, gardening, and was a dedicated First Aider and RNLI Shore Member.
Ron and Josephine also shared a love of cruising holidays, enjoying many memorable trips together. Sadly, Josephine passed away in 2011 after a brave battle with leukaemia.
Freemasonry: A Lifelong Commitment
Freemasonry has been a cornerstone of Ron’s life, and he has found great fulfilment in his masonic journey. He served as Lodge Almoner for many years, attending to the welfare needs of members and widows of former brethren. Ron was Master of the Lodge in 1994 and was later honoured with Provincial Honours in recognition of his dedication.
Life Today
Now in retirement, Ron remains active. He enjoys landscape painting, has earned a City & Guilds qualification in computing, and continues to grow his own salads, with a particular focus on tomatoes. Though ill health has kept him away from the Lodge in recent times, Ron remains hopeful of attending once again in the future.
Ron Edmonds’ life is a testament to resilience, dedication, and a deep sense of community – qualities that continue to inspire all who know him.