Ron rice biography hawaiin tropical

Ron Rice’s recipe for global notoriety and untold riches began with a $4 garbage can and broken broom handle for stirring.

The concoction he settled on, over 50 years ago, would become Hawaiian Tropic suntan lotion and, through Rice’s tireless promotional efforts, eventually made Rice’s Ormond Beach home a party destination for a worldwide Who’s Who of the rich and famous.

Rice, struggling with declining health in recent months, died Thursday in that 12,000-square-foot beachfront home.

He was 81.

From a Thursday morning Facebook post: "It is with much sorrow that Ron's family would like everyone to know of his passing this morning. Please allow us privacy in this time of grieving. Ron was loved and admired by many."

"Loved and admired" for a truly American style of mixing work with pleasure.

"He showed us how to promote your product, but also have a great time while doing it," said Linda Kramer, a longtime