Beloved Westwood Pro Ivan Ronaldson Has Died
We are very sad to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Ivan Ronaldson - Les and Chris’s oldest son who was Head Real Tennis Professional at the Westwood Country Club in Washington DC.
Ivan spent much of his childhood at the flat behind the hazard end at RTC with his brothers, Ben and Luke, and with a variety of Professionals, especially Lachie Deuchar. His uncle Steve coached him at Canford School. After a year at Reading University studying accounting, he left of his own accord to do the job he always wanted. He trained as a Professional at RTC but branched out on his own working amongst others as Head Professional at Prested Hall, Holyport, Fontainebleau and latterly at both the new “Princes” court and most recently the next new court at Westwood Country Club in Washington DC.
Ivan was an accomplished player reaching low single figures but it was as a coach and a mentor of young players that he will be best remembered. For many years he was the coach and coordinator for US junior teams, often travelling with them around the world for the various opens and junior team events. Claire Fahey started the game under his tutelage at Prested at the age of 11.
“In loving memory of Ivan, who introduced me to a game that has become my life," Fahey shares. "I remember my first lesson, which I shared with my twin sister, where Ivan's warmth and encouragement made all the difference. I will always be grateful for the joy he brought into that moment and moments thereafter and for showing me the beauty of the game. His support and warmth ignited a passion in me that still resonates today. Ivan's spirit lives on in every game I play, reminding me of the friendship we shared and I feel so fortunate to have had”.
Ivan was a larger than life character, a true gentle giant, and those who have visited the club at DC will know the warmth of his welcome to all comers.
Ivan had a huge energy and a love for life and those around him. His Elvis impersonation at Karaoke was legendary.
His wife Christy, children Lily and Bruce, and brothers Ben and Luke are devastated by his premature departure, as are his parents, Chris and Les, and they ask for your love and understanding in this difficult time.
The Tennis & Rackets Association offer their sincere condolences at this very difficult time.
UPDATE — 26 August, 2025
A GoFund Me page has been set up to help support Ivan's wife and kids. Anyone interested in showing support is invited to do so via this link: https://gofund.me/ca42b6c8.
UPDATE — 30 August, 2025
The celebration of the life of Ivan Ronaldson will take place at the Westwood Country Club in Vienna, Virginia, which was Ivan's place of work. The dress code, as Ivan wanted, is 'colourful' and so Hawaiian shirts (that he loved wearing so much) will abound.
All are welcome to attend what is expected to be a very large gathering of family and friends to remember and share stories (hundreds of stories) about Ivan's very happy and influential life. He had such a positive and inspirational effect on so many, many people. Some of those will able to gather in person and others will be able to watch the livestream from Westwood on the USCTA YouTube channel from 12.15, local time, on Sunday 31 August. All will remember Ivan for the rest of their lives.
