Sir Ron was an extremely influential figure in New Zealand business. He was a staunch supporter of the 1980's free-market economic reforms and was instrumental in the creation of Fletcher Challenge and helped with the Wrightson Dalgety merger. He was also the founding chairman of the Business Roundtable and even joined anti-apartheid protests during the 1981 Springbok tour. It is well regarded that he rose to the top in business because of hisl nature, accute business accumen and because he was well liked. He suffered from cancer in later years and died peacefully in his sleep.