He was 82.

Sir Ron had a long and distinguished business career, serving on the boards of several major New Zealand companies.

He was knighted in 1985 for his services to business and in 1999 he was awarded membership of the Business Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding contribution to New Zealand's development.

Born in Hawera and educated in Wanganui, Victoria University College and Lincoln College, Sir Ron started work as a stock clerk in 1949 and rose to become managing director and chairman of Wright Stephenson & Company.

He later became managing director and chairman of Challenge Corporation and closely involved in its evolution into conglomerate Fletcher Challenge.

Sir Ron was also founder and inaugural chairman of the New Zealand Business Roundtable and led the Economic Summit Conference sponsored by the incoming Labour government in 1984.

His family, including son Bill, chairman of investment bank First NZ Capital, have gathered in Wellington.