Celebrating Leighton Ronson’s 100 Years

Leighton Ronson didn’t want any fuss for his 100th birthday, but when you’re the oldest member of the local legion and Masonic lodge, a celebration is definitely deserved.

Dec 23, 2025 • Last updated Dec 23, 2025 •

Tillsonburg’s Leighton Ronson celebrated his 100th birthday on Dec. 18 at the Tillsonburg Legion. Pictured alongside Ronson is his great-granddaughter Emma Elliot. Photo by Jacob Robinson /Postmedia Staff

Leighton Ronson didn’t want a big deal made about his milestone birthday, but being the oldest member of both the local legion and Masonic lodge means it calls for a celebration.

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So on Dec. 18 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 153, nearly 50 family members, friends, fellow Masons, and veterans gathered to honor him in style.

<p“It's a life to celebrate; it really is,” said Tony Pleli, secretary of King Hiram Lodge No. 78. “I love history, and he’s brought us a century of stories right here today … he might be smaller in stature, but there’s a sparkle in his eye. Once he starts sharing tales from the past, you just want him to keep going.”

Ronson’s family arrived in town with Tillsonburg’s founder George Tilson two centuries ago. He grew up on Broadway as the son of a tool and die maker and had an idyllic childhood until World War II began at age 18. Not wanting to sit idly by during such trying times, Ronson enlisted at that young age. He served in the Signal Corps across Canada, the UK, and Northwest Europe from1944 to1946 while earning several accolades including the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal.

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“Brother Ronson, you embody all that is good about Canadian society – a willingness to stand up for what is right, a willingness to lend a hand where and when needed to help others, a willingness to do what is right,” said Scott Gillies, the district deputy for the Masonic Wilson District. “We are gathered here to recognize you, to celebrate your life and say thank you for setting such an outstanding example for all of us to follow.”

After coming back home from service, Ronson took up work with Bell Canada and joined the Masons in May of1947. Though he’s unable to attend meetings lately due to health issues, he hasn’t canceled his membership and according to local members, he’s considered one of the longest-serving members in Ontario.

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“First of all, I never thought I would get this far along,” Ronson laughed. “I always say when you reach75, the warranty’s gone.”

Ronson got involved withthe Masons thanks to a friend’s suggestion and has enjoyed being partof what Gillies called the ‘world’s oldest fraternity’.

“I was21at that time,”Ronsonsays. “I usedto attend meetings quite regularly.. I always enjoyedgoingtothemeetings, and I wentaslongas Icould get around.”

Like many WWII vets, Ronsonsupportedhis local legion branch actively. He joined in1970and held various rolesincluding serving as presidentin1984and1985.

“He ran this Legion exactly howit shouldbe run,”said current Branch153President Tom Brown.

“As currentpresident, it’s an amazing opportunityfor me as aveteran, tomeet someone like Leighton onhis100thbirthday.”

In addition tothe gathering which featuredalarge vanilla cake, Ronsonwas informedthat he willreceive certificatesof congratulationsfrom Premier Doug Ford , Prime Minister Mark Carney , and Governor General Mary Simon.

“Inever expectedanythinglike this,”Ronsonsays.

“I’m justoverwhelmed, Ihonestly am.”

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