He was born in Scunthorpe England July 2, 1941, the son of George and Violet Theresa (Ibbotson) Harsley.
He immigrated to the USA in 1975 and became a citizen in 1985. In England he practiced as an architect designing churches, public buildings, public housing and individual homes. He later joined a Shell/ Monsanto joint venture in Kent to develop building systems and markets.
On his arrival in the USA he joined EFP Corporation in Indiana to develop their product line in the construction industry, ultimately rising to Executive Vice President and General Manager of his multi-plant corporation.
In England he was elected County Councillor for Lincolnshire, School Governor and served as President of Round Table. In the USA he served as Director of the Society of The Plastics Industries Washington DC, and Rotary President. He was also Master and huntsman for the Michiana foxhunt.
Ron was his own man. If someone said it cannot be done, he went ahead and did it! His favorite was a Chinese saying: “Man who say it cannot be done should not interrupt man doing it.”
He lived with a threatening heart problem from his early twenties and underwent many surgeries and procedures to prolong his tenure here. He always credited the many surgeons and doctors who kept abreast of the latest technologies and helped him continue. He was testimony to the fact that one can overcome the most dire projections of one’s life span by sheer determination!
His career was cut short in 1996 when it was determined that he should retire early on account of his worsening condition. He was not happy but realized that it had to be done if he ever was to see his grandchildren.
Finally, his luck ran out!
He is survived by his wife Karen of 40 years who he met in Copenhagen. He took great pride in knowing that she changed her surname to his.
Also, he is survived by two children, Robert (Joanne) Watts-Harsley of Anderson, South Carolina, and grand-children, Ethan and Regan. In Cirencester England, Amanda (Martin) Stallworthy and grand-daughter, Mia. Also a sister, Janet (Michael) Kitchen of Burton-Stather, England.
Whether you think you can or think you can’t… You’re right!
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