John Ronane
EUREKA - John Ronane, 85, of Eureka passed away at 7:49 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, 2019, at his home, with his family by his side.
He was born on December 11, 1933, in London, England, the son of John and Josephine Botchett Ronane. He married Carole Bullock on March 13, 1992, in Eureka. She survives.
Also surviving are four children, Rebecca (Alain Poirot) Ronane of Provence, France, and Louise (James Brockbank) Ronane, Jessica (Jack Brough) Ronane and Patrick Ronane, all of London, England; three grandchildren, Poppy, Louis and Elodie; sister, Eileen Walker of Teddington, England; and brother, Patrick (Madeleine) Ronane of Thame, England.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Richard.
He had a varied and fascinating career, starting in the repertory theaters of England, moving on to the stage (including London's West End), television, radio and film, including Hollywood. Along the way, he acted with some greats, like Olivia de Havilland, Joseph Cotton, Albert Finney, George Peppard, Roger Moore, Tony Curtis, Diana Rigg, Glenda Jackson, etc. He originated the role of Bill Lloyd in Nobel Prize-winner Harold Pinter's "The Collection," and was a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company. He had a TV series on Granada (Strangers), besides guest-starring in many acclaimed British TV series like "All Creatures Great and Small," "The Six Wives of Henry VIII," "Elizabeth R," "The Persuaders," "The Avengers" and "The Saint," among others. He came to Hollywood when he was cast in "King Rat," based on James Clavell's novel, and starred in the Emmy-nominated film "A War of Children." He was a standard player in BBC productions.
He also wrote screenplays and drama, one of his plays (Words and Pictures) being given a workshop at Illinois Central College, and later was produced as a play there, with Ronane directing and starring. He wrote action-adventure-romance novels like "Influences" and "Gone for a Soldier," and a comedy set in the 1950s, "Hank Goes Dancing." His final book was a memoir of his acting career, called "Rubber-Soled Shoes."
Ronane taught as an artist-in-residence at the University of Illinois, taught at Illinois Central College, and gave private acting lessons. He acted in some locally-produced films, encouraging local talent to pursue their dreams of film acting and directing. For a time, he was a tour guide in England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Spain and Italy. In retirement, he deeply enjoyed wintering in Vero Beach, FL.
He was a proud member of British Equity, SAG and the "Old Farts" golf league at Kaufman Golf Course.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of life service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 25, 2019, at Five Points Washington. Family will receive friends at an English Tea, following the service.
Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington is in charge of arrangements.
John's memorial website is available at www.deitersfuneralhome.com, where condolences may also be sent to the family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Peoria Journal Star from May 17 to May 19, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for John Ronane

Sponsored by Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory, Ltd. - Washington.

13 Entries

A.M.H.

May 28, 2024

Excelent actor.

Patricia. Prescott.

December 29, 2020

Sad to hear of his passing, he is remembered always. Thousands of children were evacuated from London during the blitz of ww2. John was one of them and was welcomed into the RC parish of the Twelve Apostles in Leigh, Lancashire. On behalf of the former pupils who remember John Ronane during those very difficult times, may I offer sincere condolences. Sorry for your loss. Rest in peace our old school friend John.

dennis blanch

September 20, 2019

hi, john and i worked together many years ago on strangers,he was a smashing man,in his company i was always smiling,i remember as it was yesterday he came to my house one night,and he had bought a bike for my sons birthday,it still brings a smile to my face, on the series strangers john took me under his wing,lots of advice which i will always be grateful,he had a mischief about him, forever telling jokes,most of which i still recall,we would both sing on the coach home after filming,when this crazy war is over was one i think the rest of the folk on the bus thought we were mad,happy days, rest in peace john you made a lot of folk including me smile,a gift,please would you pass this on the family,they are welcome to email me,i am sure i have snaps of john and i about,also my condolences. dennis blanch

Peter Harding

September 20, 2019

I worked with John on a short film in the early 1980's. It was the first work on camera I had ever done. John really looked after and started to teach me how work on screen. A true gentleman helping a young actor the way he did. Go well John, you will be much missed x

Ruth Hegarty

June 26, 2019

So sorry to hear of John's passing. I met him briefly in the 70's when he was in Ireland starring in a film. RIP John.

Bill Heath

May 29, 2019

Back here in the uk John was a legend with a face everyone knew but a name they couldn't remember . To list the work he did would take a lifetime as his acting talents were so diverse and fruitful . All that can be said is there was only one John Ronane but had ten thousand faces . RIP John we loved you ....

Michael Glackin

May 28, 2019

Very sorry to learn of John's death. He always stood out in the many supporting roles he had in myriad television shows in my youth, despite sharing the screen with bigger names. A face, and an actor, from my teenage TV viewing years that has always stayed with me. Condolences to his family.

Alise Howlett

May 27, 2019

Carole,
Very glad that you had time together. I'm sorry to say that I kept missing John when I would stop by his office at U of I, but I kept track of his good deeds in the paper and updates through Mom (Arlene). My prayers are with you.

Wendy Hill Young

May 23, 2019

Carole, not sure you will remember me. So sorry for you. You were my favorite teacher and a great influence in my life. Thank you. I am sending prayers.

Christina WEBB

May 20, 2019

God bless, Carole.

Joan Herron

May 19, 2019

Thinking of you, Carole and family. Such a remarkable man to celebrate.

Jusyin Morrow

May 18, 2019

I remember how much John enjoyed my three children when we visited. John was very personable. My kids still say today, "Isn't he the one who gave us cans of Coke?" I remember John wanting to engage me in a game of billiards. What a visit that was. Carole, we love you. -The Morrows

Jill and Mike Anhalt

May 17, 2019

Dear Carol and family,

We were so sorry to hear of John's passing. Thank you for sharing him with us in Vero Beach. Such a kind and gentle soul. We understood why he was an actor he had such a beautiful voice and so many good stories to share. Take care of yourself Carol and know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We hope to see you next year in Vero. Mike and Jill Anhalt Vero and Canby MN.

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results