Ronald Johnston Ross

Ronald Johnston Ross, born May 1, 1931, in Melbourne, Australia, passed away January 28, 2012, in Greenport, Long Island.

Ron was a lifelong sailor and award-winning international ad man extraordinaire. His love of sailing was nurtured by his parents, Mary and William Ross, who bought him his first boat and introduced him to the water in Australia. His penchant for adventure was nurtured by traveling to Scotland in his youth, where during one visit, the family was forced to stay on as a result of the outbreak of World War II. After prep school in Scotland, Ron pursued a degree at the Glasgow School of Art, graduating with honors.

Returning to Australia, Ron focused on graphic design and advertising. Adventure called again when the opportunity to work in advertising brought him to Hong Kong, where he met Rosa and together they went on to London, married and began their life together.

Ron joined McCann Erickson in the ’60s and continued to pursue his international career, first as Art Director and then as an award-winning Copywriter. Ron continued to work all over Europe, South America and the United States, where he and his family finally settled permanently, first in Malibu and eventually as an award-winning “Mad Man” in New York.

Ron’s love of sailing brought him to the North Fork, where he made his home. He, Rosa and their daughters bought a lovely historic farmhouse surrounded by farm fields in East Marion.

His retirement years were happily spent sailing his Etchells and helping Rosa at their restaurant, Scrimshaw, in Greenport.

Ron is survived by his loving family: wife, Rosa; daughters, Sarah and Samantha; and grandchildren, Clara and Renaldo. His was a life well lived.

A memorial will be held at a later date.

Arrangements were handled by Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport.

This is a paid notice.