Cloverdale Icon “Ron the Barber” Faces new Chapter After Nearly 50 Years
Table of Contents
A beloved Cloverdale barber, known affectionately as “Ron the Barber,” is navigating a transition after the closure of his shop, Ron’s Barber Stylists, on September 3, 2025. despite facing displacement due to rising rent, Ron is exploring options for house calls and a potential new chair in the local area.
A Cloverdale Staple As the 1970s
For nearly half a century, Ron’s barber Stylists has been more than just a place to get a haircut; it’s been a community hub. Ron, who began cutting hair in 1972, arrived in Cloverdale in the early 1970s after falling in love with the area during a holiday visit from his native Toronto. He initially rented a chair at Kennedy’s barbershop, quickly immersing himself in the town’s unique character. “I thought, ‘What the hell is this?’ I thought I was in the Wild West,” he recalled of his frist Rodeo Weekend experience.
From Tom’s to Ron’s: A Legacy of Community
The shop itself has a rich history, previously known as Tom’s and owned by Tom Milligan. Ron eventually took over the business in 1976 after Tom’s unexpected lottery win – a story complete with a pink Cadillac and a somewhat meager 50-cent tip. Ron promptly rebranded the shop, replacing the “T-O-M” on the window with a new “R-O-N,” solidifying his place in the community.
A Shop Unlike Any Other
Ron’s Barber Stylists wasn’t known for its modern amenities. The building, over a century old, boasted a slanted floor, décor reminiscent of the 1960s, and a distinctive aroma accumulated over decades. Old Westerns played on the television, and the shop was overflowing with sports memorabilia, particularly items dedicated to the Toronto Maple Leafs.”He has a signed picture of Johnny Bower that he received from a family freind, but the rest of the items have been given to him by customers over half a century,” highlighting the deep connection he fostered with those he served. Even a pint glass from a Cloverdale, California brewery found its way into the collection, a gift from a thoughtful customer.
Facing Displacement and a Changing Cloverdale
Despite his desire to remain in the renovated space, the increased rent proved unsustainable for his one-man operation. “I’m looking for a chair in the local area,” Ron explained to the Cloverdale Reporter, having already explored five options with more planned. He expressed a strong preference to stay local, recognizing the importance of his established customer base.
Though, Ron is prepared to adapt. he is considering offering house calls, harkening back to a time when physicians made home visits. “I have a lot of senior customers and they are having a hard time getting out,” he noted, emphasizing his commitment to accessibility. He already has a growing list of potential clients eager to take advantage of this service.
A Small-Town Heart in a Growing Community
Despite the changes Cloverdale has undergone over the years, Ron remains optimistic. While acknowledging the growth in population and the evolution of local businesses, he believes the town has retained its small-town charm. “So much of it has stayed the same,” he said. “Like here, the people. It’s still a small town.” He emphasized the enduring relationships he’s built with his customers over nearly five decades, stating, “Here, the guys that come in, they’ve been coming here for years. So that hasn’t changed.I’ve been a fixture here.”
Ron’s story is a testament to the enduring power of community and the dedication of a craftsman committed to his trade. as he embarks on this new chapter, one thing remains certain: Ron the Barber’s legacy will continue to be felt in Cloverdale for years to come.
