Vale Ron Keyhoe (1941 – 2026)

Ron Keyhoe's funeral details are:- the service is on Friday 27th March at 4pm at Heritage & Heritage Funerals, 733 Boronia Rd, Wantirna Vic 3152.

Then please join us next door at Wantirna Hill Club, 715 Boronia Rd, Wantirna Vic 3152 for some light refreshments. Drinks at bar prices.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Croydon & Districts Life Member, Ron Keyhoe, who passed away peacefully on 17 March 2026, surrounded by his family.

Ron made an extraordinary contribution to table tennis at every level — from Dorset Gardens Table Tennis Club and Croydon & Districts, through to the Victorian, National, and International levels.

Ron began his playing career in 1974 with the formation of Dorset Gardens TTC, a club where he became a Life Member. Over the years, he played 572 matches and was part of four premiership teams, as well as five runner-up finishes.

Ron’s greatest impact at Croydon & Districts Table Tennis Association came through his dedicated service on the Board. Over 15 years, he held numerous roles, including President (3 years), Vice President (3 years), Secretary (2 years), Treasurer (2 years), and Committee Member (5 years). He is one of only five members in the Association’s history to have served in all executive positions — alongside his wife, Fran Keyhoe, who is also a Life Member of both Dorset Gardens and Croydon.

Beyond volunteering his time at Croydon & Districts, Ron served three years on the Table Tennis Victoria Board and contributed for many years to the Victorian Table Tennis Umpires League in various roles. He was also a member of the ITTF Equipment Committee.

Ron proudly represented Australia as an umpire at World Championships and at both the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games. At the Sydney 2000 Olympics and Paralympics, he was in charge of Racket Testing (Technical). His umpiring highlights include:

• 1995 World Championship Men’s Singles Final (Kong Linghui defeated Liu Guoliang)

• 1990 World Championships Men’s Doubles Semi Final

• 1995 World Championships Men’s Teams deciding match

• 1999 Swedish Open Men’s Singles Final (Wang Liqin defeated Sun Jin)

Ron also played a key role in the development of table tennis equipment, contributing to the design of a new table better suited for wheelchair athletes. Following extensive consultation with players and officials worldwide, these tables were developed and remain in use today.

Ron is survived by his children Peter, Brendan, Paul, and Shaun, along with nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Funeral details will be advised in due course.