1943 – 2021
A Memorial Tribute
Ron was born on February 22, 1943 in San Francisco, CA and passed away suddenly from a heart attack on January 20, 2021 in Mission Viejo, CA. Ron was born to Robert S. Robertson and Betty Suzanne Robertson Fox. He is survived by his loving wife Barbara, married 38 years, sister Kimberley Spann, brother Garr Fox (deceased) (Pat), cousin John Brady(Libby), sons Scott (Wendy)Edmunds and Bryan Edmunds, brother-in-law, George Danhoff (Robyn), grandsons Harrison, Hayden and Hudson Edmunds, and many nieces and nephews.
Ron spent his childhood living between the Bay area and Seattle. He attended Menlo-Atherton High School for 2 years then completed high school at King George V International School in Bangkok, Thailand. Returning to the States, he attended the Univ of WA, played Husky Football and participated in Intercollegiate Wrestling Championships.
Ron enjoyed various careers including Sales, Civilian Ballistic Test Contractor at Fort Hunter Liggitt Army Base, Farming and Raising Goats, Trucking, Restaurant Manager, Electrical Assembly Supervisor and Electrical Contractor. His dream job was as Field Superintendent for tunnel-boring machines assembled in Germany, Australia, Britain and Romania. He loved to travel and became friends to many.
He returned to the States and settled in So. CA. He was a dedicated family man, attending every Sunny Hills High School football game and wrestling matches. He was an avid 49ers fan, enjoyed family vacations, and Sunday night movies.
In 1998 he joined the Clan Donnachaidh Society to pursue his Scottish heritage. He served the Clan as a Board member and truly enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow Scotts, participating in the annual Scottish games, dancing in his kilt at the Annual Scotsman’s Ball and “aye, sampling the haggis, along with a wee-bit of single malt.”
In 2002 he joined a Santa group and worked as a Mall Santa for 5 years. As Santa Ron, he appeared in TV commercials, radio and print ads. He co-founded the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas (IBRBS) and served as its 1st President, later becoming a Board Director and President Emeritus.
Santa Ron was inducted into the 2014 International Santa Hall of Fame. He stood for excellence in the portrayal of Santa Claus among his fellow Santas and throughout the entire Santa community. He was a Santa for 18 years, bringing the Spirit of Christmas to all ages.
Santa Ron took his “Last Sleigh Ride” and is now resting peacefully in Heaven with his Creator.