The Glasgow restaurateur had suffered a fall 17 months ago that left him paralysed from the shoulders down. Although he had been able to return home from hospital, he suffered a stroke and pneumonia and died in hospital on Saturday.
The Ubiquitous Chip is credited with launching a revolution in Scots cuisine. Ian Brown, the head chef for 21 years, said yesterday: "With Ronnie's death, I have lost a friend, mentor, boss and ally, all at the same time."