At 74, Ronnie lives on the serene West Beach in South Australia, facing the sea. After serving as a skilled chef in the Australian Merchant Navy for an impressive 42 years, his life took a significant turn following his retirement due to hearing issues.
Now living on land, Ronnie has integrated into civilian life, but the lessons from his Navy days have genuinely shaped him. He takes pride in maintaining a tidy home and embraces a refreshing early-morning routine. His living space and Ute sparkle with elements of his passions—dolphins, eagles, and, like a true sailor, his admiration for women. With a warm smile and a calm appearance, he loves to chat and share delightful stories from his adventures, going from exploring different countries to cruising on his Harley Davidson across the USA. It's a life truly well-lived!
However, this adventurous lifestyle had its costs, as he spent considerable time travelling around the globe—sometimes away from home for as long as two years! Throughout it all, he faced the unique challenges of love and marriage that arise from such a way of life, having been married five times, each relationship imparting its own valuable lessons. His most touching love story is with his late wife, whom he met during a Navy passage to Thailand. He carries her memory with him through a tattoo made with bamboo in Thai style, a constant reminder of their bond even after her heart-wrenching battle with cancer. "She took care of me like no one else did, and I took care of her and her family,” he said with a nostalgic gaze. "In Thailand," he explains, "you don't just marry a woman, you marry her family too. You take care of them." Together, they had a son, who now oversees the land he purchased in Thailand.
Even though he is retired, he still drives a courier to increase his pension and stay physically fit for the demands of his deliveries. He attributes his good health to this active lifestyle and his enjoyment of beer and wine. "Buzz," he chuckles, "has been my companion since the Navy days, along with hard work and discipline." Ronnie smiles broadly when asked why he continues working at his age, responding, "Because I need to save money to travel to Thailand. I can’t rely solely on my pension."
He used to visit Thailand every three months, but financial constraints now limit his travels to once a year. Nevertheless, his heart remains tied to Thailand's warm climate and rich culture, a place where he feels at home.
As he eagerly anticipates his next journey to his beloved destination, he enjoys breathtaking sunny evenings by the beach, savouring a cold beer while soaking in the warm, salty air that feels like a comforting hug. Fond memories of distant ports come rushing back—all those joyous years spent chasing the horizon of adventure.
Why did you retire or why are you still working?
Why did you retire?
Why are you still working?
Well, I did the mandatory annual health check, and the Doctor said I had hearing issues. So the rule is clear in the Navy: we can’t have any impairment. So, I have retired and did not come back to the ship.
But I need extra money to pay for my trips to Thailand. My pension alone isn’t enough to cover the expenses. It's not cheap. I want to visit my son. He takes care of the farm I left for him. I can see the family of my late wife, catch up with some friends, and have fun.
Life expectancy 2023
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