Carnation issued a proclamation Oct. 21 at the Carnation City Council meeting to celebrate the retirement of Ron Cox, longtime owner of Carnation Ace Hardware.

Carnation Ace Hardware’s last operational day was Oct. 24 with a farewell reception held Oct. 25.

“It is with both excitement and a bit of grief that I am writing to share with my community that after 56 years, I will be retiring and closing the doors to Carnation Ace Hardware,” according to an announcement posted on social media by Ron Cox. “I was 10 years old when my parents purchased Carnation Lumber Supply in 1969, and serving this community alongside my parents, sister, and brothers, has been my life’s work and deep joy. It’s hard to imagine not seeing you all so regularly. Yet, I am excited for what retirement holds for me and my family and also am excited about the future of this central downtown business space.”

According to a social media post by the city: “City staff will miss Ron’s expertise for our many projects. While the closing of Carnation Ace Hardware marks the end of an era, the Cox family’s spirit of service will forever remain part of Carnation’s story.”

The family as Ron is sharing his heartfelt gratitude to the community. Photos courtesy of Sara Cox

Ron with his wife, KC, and his two sons (Michael and Stephen) and their families (minus one grandson).