The late Ron Wong was a tremendous supporter of the fishing community. He was an encourager of those who enjoyed fishing and sought to learn more about fishing.
Upon his unexpected and untimely passing in April 2025, a group of his friends and colleagues wanted to do something tangible to honor Ron and to establish an organization that would keep Ron’s contributions to fishing alive even in his absence.
Madalyn Roberts, Louisville, Kentucky, had met Ron at a Brushpile Fishing Academy at Holmes Bend Marina on Green River Lake. She initiated a phone call with Kent Driscoll, Nolensville, Tennessee, B’n’M Fishing Pro Staff Manager, with her ideas to memorialize Ron’s legacy. They reached out to Buz Meyer, Celina, Ohio, Brushpile Fishing, and Jay Jackman, Georgetown, Kentucky. These four individuals established the Ron Wong Legacy Foundation, Inc. as a Kentucky non-profit corporation with federal tax exemption under IRS Code Section 501(c)(3).
The mission of the foundation is to support the fishing community by bringing together individuals interested in fishing – especially women and children – through education, skills training, resource access, and leadership development.
Even though the foundation is just getting started, fund raising has begun and the first official event of the foundation is being planned. The foundation board is working with Brushpile Fishing in planning the first woman and youth (14-18 years of age) only Brushpile Fishing Academy at Holmes Bend Marina on Green River Lake, March 26-29, 2026. The foundation has a goal of raising $20,000 to support women and youth to participate in this academy. Ron would be pleased to know his legacy is supporting and encouraging women and youth in fishing.
If you knew Ron … or if you didn’t know him but still support the mission of the foundation … please consider a financial contribution to the foundation. No contribution is too small or too large. Contributions are deductible on personal and corporate income tax returns.