Surfers Paradise SLSC flag bearer in famous photo, Ron McDougall, passes away at age of 94

A former clubbie immortalised as the Surfers Paradise SLSC flag bearer in a giant picture displayed at the Esplanade has passed away at the age of 94.

A FORMER clubbie immortalised as the Surfers Paradise SLSC flag bearer in a giant picture displayed on the Esplanade has passed away.

Ron McDougall is seen leading the beach march for the 1947 Australian Surf Life Saving Titles in the famous picture, which adorns the Hanlan St Pavilion.

Mr McDougall, a father of five, was secretary of the club from 1946 to 1951.

Son Ian said the family only discovered the photo had been used at the pavilion by chance, but that his father was “quietly chuffed” when he heard the news.

“I was walking past it for a couple of years and didn’t realise it was my dad. He hadn’t seen it at that stage,” Ian said.

“Me and my wife used to walk the dog down there all the time.

“One day I looked up and said, hang on, that’s my dad up there.

“So we went and had a look at the plaque and gave him a call and he said, yeah, that was me.”

Mr McDougall was a clubmate of Surfers Paradise SLSC stalwart Neville Brough, was the sweep on the heavy surf boat, took part in many rescues and represented the club in competitions in Queensland and interstate.

“He used to hitchhike down from Brisbane, where he worked, every weekend to do clubbies,” Ian said.

“Him and a couple of mates. He spent a lot of time here in his younger days. He met my mother here on the beach.”

Mr McDougall passed away peacefully at a nursing home in Buderim on Tuesday morning, a day after laying the wreath at the home’s Anzac Day ceremony.

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Originally published as Surfers Paradise SLSC flag bearer in famous photo, Ron McDougall, passes away at age of 94