It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of Ron Hibbs on Monday 18th January 2010, writes Arnold Ryder.

Ron died peacefully in his sleep, cared for by his beloved wife Margaret, whom he had been married to for over 60 years.

My first meeting with Ron was at the Macclesfield Ringcraft, where for many years he was a hard working and respected committee member. He was a man who was always ready and willing to help newcomers to the dog showing and training. There must be very many in the world of showing who have benefited from his encouragement and support. He helped people to progress and enjoy their hobby.

From that very first meeting at Macclesfield Ron and myself formed a friendship which has lasted over 30 years. Thanks to his encouragement and support both my wife and myself started in the world of dog showing. Ron was always very supportive of all aspects of showing. He gave generously of his time and energy for the benefit of others. He was in addition to his Chairmanship at Macclesfield Ringcraft on the Committee of Macclesfield & District Canine Society. He also was for many years Secretary of Goyt Valley Gundog Society.

Throughout his involvement in the world of dogs, where he had considerable success showing Golden Retrievers, Sussex and Clumber Spaniels under the Rockwin affix, he was always supported by his wife Margaret. Together they formed a hard working and greatly respected team. He also went on to award CC’s in Golden Retrievers and Clumber Spaniels. In 1996 he was honoured to judge the Golden Retrievers at Crufts.

He judged many Championship Shows both in the UK and overseas. He was always a much respected judge wherever he went. Many Ring Stewards expressed their pleasure at working with him in the ring. I have had the pleasure of enjoying Ron’s company on many occasions both at shows and at his home. He had a wonderful sense of humour and brightened many a day. Ron will be greatly missed by many.

The Golden Retriever world will be extremely saddened by the death of Ron at the age of 90 years, but nowhere will his loss be felt more than at the Midland Golden Retriever Club, writes Keith Young.

Ron Hibbs was a founder member of the Midland Golden Retriever Club when it was formed in 1976 and was immediately elected onto the Executive Committee where he became a much respected and valuable member. Within a short time he became Club Secretary, a position he held for a number of years.

His energy and drive, together with his counsel, contributed enormously to the establishment of the MGRC. In his retirement he continued to give support and encouragement to the Club. His willingness to offer advice when asked to do so was very much appreciated by the Committee.
Ron was a gentlemen of the old school with a dry and very wicked sense of humour. Together with the then Chairman, the late Ron Bradbury, the MGRC had its very own ‘Two Ronnies’ who from time to time amused and entertained us with tales of their forces escapades.

Ron also never forget his Royal Navy days and the MGRC committee most certainly were often reminder of this at nearly all Club events - shows, working tests of general social occasions - Ron would produce his ‘Special’ hip flask containing Navy Rum which he would proceed to dispense for ‘medicinal purposes only’ to all his colleagues and friends.

He was a very kindly private family man with a generous heart. He was a good friend to every one of us and we all have our special memories of the kindness that he always extended. I feel sure that I speak on behalf of all those who worked with him on the MGRC committee, when I say that it was an honour and privilege to have known him and enjoyed his company.

If there are dog shows in the sky I am sure that those who have gone before him will have spoken to St Peter in order that Ron Hibbs is co-opted onto the Show Committee for the next event.

To his wife Margaret, daughter Maureen, son John and all the family, I offer our condolence at this difficult time but hope that they will be comforted in the knowledge that Ron was held in such esteem by so many people.

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