It is my sad duty to inform you of the passing of a great friend and colleague to many, acclaimed Producer – Director, Ron Way who passed away peacefully on Saturday morning.
Ron, a former television director who has worked with the likes of Sammy Davis Junior and Shirley Bassey, was still making films with a focus on community advocacy. His recent works include a film highlighting the lack of transport in the Kyogle and Richmond Valley districts that resulted in continued funding for a bus service between Casino and Bonalbo.
In an interview, Ron is quoted assaying:
“It’s very hard to give up so many years of being in show business and I made a pact with myself to make a friendship with old age and not be someone who is going to be a grumpy old man and complain about getting old.
I decided I’m going to spend the rest of my days enjoying my life and helping out in the community where I can.”
Ron was responsible for many of Australia’s early television programs, after he returned from studying at UCLA in the USA.
His early works included:
- My Name’s McGooley,
- Good Morning Mr Doubleday,
- Rooted,
- Seven Little Australians,
- Shannons Mob,
- Frenchman’s Farm,
- Boney,
- Spyforce,
- Woobinda
among many, many others.
He also directed numerous television commercials for high profile companies.
His contribution was enormous and his legacy is one of a Director who truly believed in an Australian film and Television industry, Australian stories and Australian crew.
Ron Way will be missed by so many and our thoughts go out to his wife Noelle and children Melissa, Jeremy and Adrian, along with those who knew and loved this gentle, caring man.
RIP old mate and let’s hope the West Coast Eagles and the Manly Sea eagles go on to better things in your memory.
Ron Johanson OAM ACS – National President
NB: Interview quotes and photo credit: Samantha Turnbull – ABC North Coast