Ronald McArthur was born in Ransomville, N.Y. in 1909. He was joined by a younger brother in 1910 by name of Douglas. Their father, Nelson, owned and operated a chicken hatchery in a little area known as "Northridge", about 31/2 miles from Ransomville. Growing up, Ron and Doug worked on a number of farms in the area. During his years at Lockport High School, Ron became very interested in architectural drawing. This interest was to kindle itself later at the Upson Company and in a rehabilitation hospital after the war. When Upson decided to form an Architectural Department, Ron was selected to head it up. This led to Ron moving into the field sales department where he called on architects, builders, contractors, etc.

His work was interrupted by WW II. After basic training, Ron saw his first action in Italy as a machine gunner. Later, his outfit moved through southern France and into the Rhone River Valley area. During the Battle of the Bulge, Ron was critically wounded by a German sniper. After several weeks in the hospital in France and England, he was sent back to the U.S. for further surgery and long time rehabilitation. During this time, Ron began creating charcoal drawings of various places in Europe. The quality of his art work was such that several pieces were on display at art shows.

Finally, a year after the war, Ron was discharged and went home to Syracuse, where he joined the Masonite Corporation in sales, calling on the same customers he once had at Upson. After 22 years with Masonite, Ron retired in 1971. During his later years at Masonite, Ron designed and built by his own hand a beautiful home on Onondaga Boulevard, which he and Ethelyn lived in for many years.

 In 1999, Ron turned 90 and lived until just past his 91st birthday.  He took suddenly ill and died March 26, 2000 of kidney failure. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Association and the Military Order of the Purple Heart.  He received the following medals: European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign, The Purple Heart, American Campaign Medal, Heroic Meritorious Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, WW II Medal, Army of Occupation - Germany Medal, The French "Croix DeGuerre" Medal and the Conspicuous Service Award presented by the Governor of New York State.  He is buried along side his wife, Ethelyn, in Greenlawn Memorial Park.