Jolly Pumpkin Founder Ron Jeffries Passes Away

From Damon Jeffries on FBook:

It is with heavy hearts that we remember Ron Jeffries, a loving husband and father, who touched the lives of many with his passion and creativity. Ron leaves behind his beloved wife Laurie Jeffries, son Daemon Jeffries, and daughter-in-law Ashley Megan, who carry forward his spirit of love and ohana.

A true embodiment of ohana, Ron was not only a loving family man but also a creative genius and lifelong learner. He dedicated his life to sharing his knowledge, serving as a mentor in the brewing industry. As a legacy brewer and the founder of Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, his contributions to the craft are immeasurable.

In his final year, Ron fulfilled the lifelong dream of moving to Hawaii where he eagerly worked on his family brewery. He was excited about what the future was bringing and what he would be bringing to the world with Hilo Brewing Company/ Holoholo Brewing. He cherished moments spent on his lanai, soaking in the Hilo rain with a pint in hand.

Ron’s love for ohana, brewing, and life itself will forever remain in our hearts. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him.

This from Jolly Pumpkin:

Where do we begin to celebrate our friend and partner, Ron Jeffries? It’s not easy to put into words the impact he had on all of us. Our journey together started in 1993 at Grizzly Peak Brewing Company in Ann Arbor, MI. From the very beginning, we sensed there was something extraordinary about Ron. In fact, there was a lot that made him exceptional. He had a remarkable ability to create flavors that others couldn’t even imagine. His palate, style, and sense of smell were all incredibly sharp, and his descriptions of flavors were both beautiful and precise.

In 2003, Ron, alongside his wife Laurie, son Daemon, and daughter-in-law Ashley, launched the groundbreaking Jolly Pumpkin brand. Sour beer—That’s Weird! Yet the Jeffries created something truly unique. Ron inspired and mentored countless individuals in the industry, both locally and beyond. In our eyes, his vision and techniques helped establish the sour beer category in America.

While we could share countless stories and accolades, we must now turn our focus to healing and sending our prayers to his family. Ron was a deeply complex individual, and his absence will be profoundly felt. Even as he moved to Hawaii to pursue his dreams, he remained a partner in our brewery, and we spoke just a few weeks ago. This loss is beyond heartbreaking for all of us, but we want to honor the joyful memories we’ve shared over three decades. This is difficult.

Ron loved his family fiercely, and his friendship and artistry will never be forgotten.

Ron, we wish you peace and happiness. We love you, and you will always hold a special place in our hearts. Cheers to you forever. (Tap the beer and look each other in the eye.)

zzubreebym