Dear Friends, Family, and Community,

It is with heavy hearts that we share the untimely loss of Ron Rohde, a loving husband, son, brother, and uncle. Ron was a dedicated hang glider and paraglider pilot whose passion for flight touched the lives of so many. He was known for his precision and careful approach to the sport. He spent his life sharing his love of flight and was a familiar presence at Edgewater Park in Cleveland, where he soared over Lake Erie for more than 20 years.

Sadly, Ron's journey was cut short during a trip to El Cerrito Valle, Colombia, for the annual free flight festival with a close group of friends. After an epic launch from a mountain slope, a sudden medical emergency caused him to lose consciousness mid-flight, resulting in a near-fatal crash. Despite receiving excellent care at a local hospital, Ron's injuries were too severe, and he passed away far too soon.

Ron leaves behind his loving wife, Kellie of 17 years, who is now faced with unimaginable grief. Along with the emotional weight of losing Ron, Kellie is confronted with a mortgage, car payments, health care costs, and other unexpected bills that must still be paid. While the outpouring of support has been overwhelming, the financial strain is real.

How You Can Help

In honor of Ron’s memory and incredible impact on those around him, we ask for your support. We have set up this campaign to help Kellie navigate this incredibly challenging time. Your donations will go directly toward a Celebration of Life for Ron, paying off unforeseen bills, and ensuring that Kellie has the support she needs as she begins to heal.

Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference in helping Kellie get back on her feet. Your support will also serve as a tribute to Ron—a man who lived with passion, generosity, and kindness and made a lasting impression on everyone he met.

What Ron Meant to Us

Ron was more than just a pilot; he was a friend, mentor, and a constant source of positive energy. Those who flew with him describe him as "one of the kindest and most thoughtful individuals among them—always radiating good vibes and always looking out for others."

When not flying, Ron spent countless hours in their backyard garden with ‘the girls,’ Ron and Kellie’s flock of chickens. Ron cared for his girls like his family. He had a passion for music, all types of genres, and had an excellent ability to listen to music and play it by ear. He also loved roller coasters and spent many summer days with his family at Cedar Point in Sandusky. Ron harnessed life like he harnessed the wind and, both in the air and on the ground, left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Please join us in supporting Kellie as she honors Ron’s memory and navigates this incredibly difficult time. Any donation you can make will be deeply appreciated, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity.

Donate Now and Help Make a Difference

Thank you for honoring Ron and helping Kellie through this heartbreaking time. Let’s come together to lift her up, just as Ron lifted so many of us with his spirit.