Ron was born on January 25, 1956. His parents, Gerard and Doris Belanger, were part of the area’s large Franco-American community. They were from Eagle Lake and Fort Kent, respectively. Ron spoke French until beginning school. He grew up in the Topsham Heights.

Ron attended St. John’s Catholic School where he was a challenge for the nuns. Afterward, he attended the Cone School and Brunswick High School until Mt. Ararat opened its doors in 1973. He was a member of the class of 1974.

Following high school, Ron left for Louisiana with friends Russell Gamache, Norman Huard, Pierre Girard, and Dwight Bartlett. They worked together as merchant seaman, servicing oil rigs in Houma, Louisiana.

After returning home, Ron was employed by the Pejepscot Paper Mill in Brunswick, Maine. He worked for several commercial painting contractors and later owned his own painting business. Ron loved working on the water and eventually returned to shipping. He was a member of the Seafarers International Union, AFL-CIO and worked as a bosun on a wide variety of vessels, sailing from ports around the world. In 1994 Ron left shipping and went to work at the Boothbay Region Boatyard doing brightwork. Ron was an avid gardener.

Ron was an accomplished pool player. He was conscientious, thought out every shot, and was excellent at controlling the cue ball. He played in the APA World Pool Championships – four times with his team, House Boys, and once in individual competition with longtime teammate, Jessie Laurelez. He was someone to fear on a pool table. He was a member of the New Auburn Social Club.

Ron exceled at everything he tried. He was outgoing and made a friend wherever he went. He was quick-witted and generous in good times. He adored (and was adored by) his grandson, Finn.