Ron the Barber to Close After 51 Years in Cloverdale

Renowned barber Ron Waugh is set to close his barbershop, Ron’s Barber Stylists, after more than five decades of service in Cloverdale. The last day of operation will be on September 3, 2023, marking the end of an era for both Waugh and his loyal clientele.

The decision to close is not due to a lack of business but rather a necessary renovation of the building that has housed the shop for over a century. Waugh stated, “The owner is going to renovate,” explaining that the lease is expiring, and the space will undergo significant upgrades that have not been seen in decades.

Waugh’s barbershop is a unique establishment. The building, which features a slanted floor and walls reminiscent of the 1960s, has accumulated layers of history, including a patina of smoke from years of service. A television in the corner often plays classic Western films, while the walls are adorned with a collection of sports memorabilia, primarily celebrating his passion for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Waugh has expressed a desire to continue cutting hair in the area but faces an increase in rent that may prove unaffordable for his one-man operation. He has begun searching for a new chair to rent locally, stating, “I’ve been to five places, but no luck.” He is determined to remain in the Cloverdale community, where he has built a strong base of loyal customers over nearly half a century.

From Small Town to Community Staple

Originally from Toronto, Waugh moved to Vancouver in the early 1970s. He found his way to Cloverdale while looking for a place to rent a chair, eventually taking over what was then known as Tom’s Barber Shop, founded by Tom Milligan. Waugh began working there in 1974, and when Milligan retired in 1976, Waugh seized the opportunity to take over the business.

Reflecting on his early days, Waugh recalls, “I thought, ‘What the hell is this?’ I thought I was in the Wild West,” as he arrived in Cloverdale during a local rodeo celebration. The town has grown since then, but Waugh notes that it still retains much of its small-town charm, with familiar faces and a close-knit community atmosphere.

Waugh has developed personal relationships with many of his clients over the years, often recalling the stories behind their memorabilia. One of the most cherished items in his collection is a signed photo of Johnny Bower, a legendary hockey player, gifted by a family friend. The memorabilia, which includes posters, books, and even a pint glass from a California brewery, has largely been contributed by customers who have visited his shop over the years.

Looking Ahead: Possible House Calls

At 76 years old, Waugh feels he still has several productive years ahead of him. He remarked, “If I want to afford anything, I have to work,” emphasizing his commitment to continue his trade. Should he be unable to find a new chair, Waugh is considering offering house calls, reminiscent of a bygone era when barbers visited clients in their homes.

He explained that many of his senior customers struggle to visit the shop, and he is prepared to adapt his services accordingly. “People have said, ‘Oh, I didn’t know anyone would do that,’” he shared, indicating a growing interest in such services among his clientele.

Waugh’s search for a new chair has yielded an extensive list of potential customers eager for his hair-cutting services, whether in a new location or at home. As he prepares to close the doors on his longstanding business, he reflects on the changes in Cloverdale, recognizing that while the population has increased, many aspects of the community remain the same.

“Not much has changed,” he observed. “The guys that come in have been coming here for years. I’ve been a fixture here.”

As Cloverdale bids farewell to Ron’s Barber Stylists, Waugh’s legacy of personal service and community connection will not soon be forgotten. He remains hopeful for the future, whether in a new chair or visiting clients in their homes, prepared to bring his expertise and friendly demeanor wherever he goes.