Ron was born in Halifax, the son of John Mulholland. John was an adolescent when he arrived in Canada with Ron’s grandparents, who eventually returned to England, leaving John to the wilds of Halifax. Born in the dirty thirties, life was hard in the port town of Halifax. He found himself independent from his parents at a young age, bouncing from place to place, living in tough neighborhoods, and making his way the best he could. People that have ever engaged in discussions concerning politics, history or the cosmos with Ron might find it amazing that he was in school only until Grade 4, but was always fascinated with learning.
Working on farms, and wherever he could find, he made a living. At the age of 16, while working at Kay’s Clothing, he was caught in a fire that resulted in ten people perishing. Caught on the top floor of the store, windows barred, he had the presence of mind (he says he heard a voice directing him) to find a ladder in a closet. Ron managed to put it in place and assist three women and himself to the rooftop where they were eventually rescued.
Shortly after that, he and a friend decided that life was leading them nowhere, so they headed down to the recruitment office, lied about their ages and joined the Army. His first posting was in Hohne ,Germany in 1951. It was post-war Europe, lots of excitement surrounded him, with trips to action centers such as Amsterdam and Copenhagen, places where stories were made, and some never told. One of his favorite indulgences was a nice horse steak, obtained by trading cigarettes with the locals. It was here that he found guidance and learning from the post WW2 senior NCO’s, and by 1954 he was a young man, and ready for new challenges.
The conflict in Korea was in the news, and at the age of 20 he found himself on a troop ship in Seattle, bound for war. One of his first roles, as an artillery soldier, was being a “spotter”, up on the front-line radioing back the location of the falling shells. It was here that he found himself almost meeting his maker, several times. It was in this theater that he refined his skills at the art of scrounging, a talent that he would use throughout his career, trading rye whisky for socks, ham, mitts and even a Jeep. Recreation time was writing letters back home, and that included those to Jeanne, a sweet young lady in Halifax.
After Korea he was off to Debert, Nova Scotia, and a chance to have some time with Jeanne, and by 1956 he was married and living in Camp Gagetown. It was here that he and Jeanne raised three boys, born in 1957/58/61. Looking for adventure, an opportunity was given to the young Sargeant to travel to Germany, and off the family went in 1967.
For the most part, the rest of Ron’s military career was spent in Germany, returning to Halifax in 1976 and retiring. Steve and Tony were off to Ontario for post-secondary school, and the nest was getting smaller with just Vince at home. He found himself working the docks as a stevedore, heaving goods and getting to new levels of fitness. On his off hours he found a passion building a log cottage, pioneer style, with hand tools, all documented by a photo album he loved to take out and show to friends. It was here in Halifax that, under the careful guidance of Jeanne, he found a new career as the store’s manager at Camp Hill, the veterans hospital. He eventually retired in 1985.
Retirement gave Ron and Jeanne the opportunity to travel, read, spend time with the kids and grandkids and “shoot the breeze” with anyone that cared to partake. Where did time go? It found him moving to Ontario, then back to Halifax, and eventually back to Ontario where he and Jeanne moved into the Port Credit Residence. At last they were living close to their 3 sons and their families. It was then a time that had joy, but also struggles with health….life in his 80’s was not always easy.
Jeanne, the love of his life, passed away early 2015, and he was lonely. He soon found comfort in the company of the residents at his senior’s facility, and nearby family. His final years found him enjoying the company of his dear friend Elsie, who was with him to the end, helping him through his health challenges, travelling and having fun wherever it might be.
Ron was loved my many, respected by everyone, and in the end carried the rank of “A Good Man”, as proclaimed by many. He left this world knowing he had a good and complete life. Job well done Dad!