Oct
12
It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of Ron Haggarty who passed away peacefully in hospital at Sheffield on Sunday, 23 September 2012.
Ron was diagnosed several years ago with cancer but had carried on both in business and his many other pursuits in his usual enthusiastic manner until again being hospitalised several weeks ago.
Ron was born in Edinburgh on 15 July, 1946, and along with his elder brother, George, lived in various parts of Edinburgh, attending various schools. After schooling Ron had various forms of employment, including Bingo Hall manager and teaching ballroom dancing, but he was eventually to form Continental Jewellers, originally at Haddington Place, on 28 November, 1978, before moving up to Nicolson Street a few years later, where he was until retiring due to poor health in 2008.
Many a Boroughmuir member bought their wedding or engagement rings, not to mention the odd watch or two, from Ron, who was at his happiest when having a friendly haggle over the price.
His enthusiasm and dedication for the business was matched in the same manner in whatever he participated. This was exemplified with his being associated in particular with Boroughmuir Rugby Club, Prestonfield Golf Club and the Royal Museum of Scotland and giving great support to them all. Despite recent poor health he was always ready to help in both administration and assisting where and when required.
Ron was an enthusiastic and terrier-like player, turning out at hooker and wing forward for Boroughmuir, and then he took up coaching at Meggetland where he used to run the players off their legs. Ron was always at the front of those round-Meggetland runs and few ever passed him, so fit was he.
He later became a director of Boroughmuir and was one of the benefactors who gave financial assistance to help the club survive a couple of years ago.
When it came to golf, Ron was a very keen competitor, playing off a handicap of 11, and he sponsored an annual competition at Prestonfield, which always attracted a full complement of members and friends.
An extremely kind and caring man, with a pawkish sense of humour, Ron helped out his many friends in a variety of ways over the years, and not so long ago Ron and Rosemary donated a lovely silver quaich to the National Museum of Scotland in Chambers Street where it is still on display.
Ron is survived by his wife Rosemary, whom he married in Sheffield in 2003, daughters Gillian and Karen, both by his first wife Linda, and his brother George.
