Ronald DaeWook Hong

Ronald DaeWook Hong passed away on June 30, 2024, at the age of 91, in Greenville, South Carolina, where he’d been residing for the last 4 years. Born on August 30, 1932, in Jeju, South Korea, Ronald could be described as a persevering visionary, and uncompromising of his beliefs and values. 

Ronald's early life in Jeju laid the foundation for his unwavering spirit. He was the cherished son of the late Jong Pum Hong and Lang Jang, and he grew up as the second born of 4 siblings. At the age of 20, Ronald was involved in a bus accident that resulted in the amputation of his left leg. This seeming tragedy became the very cornerstone of his entire life ahead. Through an American missionary in Seoul, Ronald was rehabilitated with a prosthetic leg and he himself became an Orthotist, which would become his life’s work. Because of this this specialized skill, Ronald was pursued by a US Orthotics company to immigrate to Detroit, Michigan from South Korea. 

While Ronald had pursued his Bachelor’s Degree to teach, as well as seminary education, his professional career as an Orthotist/Prosthetist quickly became his calling. He immigrated his young family to the US and he worked for Wright & Fillippis Company in Michigan for over 30 years. Upon taking an early retirement from the workforce, he further pursued his calling full time and moved to Tashkent, Uzbekistan where he and his wife, Sueann, founded and directed the New Hope Rehabilitation clinic. New Hope was the first of its kind in Uzbekistan to offer prosthetics and orthotics for those with physical challenges. As an amputee himself, Ronald could empathize with the needs of the disabled and his compassion and desire to improve their lives led to 25 years of helping countless individuals through the work of New Hope. While fitting patients with prosthetics, Ronald sowed seeds of faith, and hope, imparting the love of Christ to all with whom he came in contact. 

Ronald and his wife, Sueann, raised 3 daughters. He leaves his legacy of sharing the love of Christ, compassion, and generosity to his daughters, Jane Ko, Grace Veatch, and Karen Sue, and to his 11 grandchildren, instilling in them the virtues of steadfastness and service that he embodied.

Beyond his work and family, Ronald found joy in the serenity of fishing, and the camaraderie of golfing. These pastimes were not merely hobbies but reflections of his appreciation for the beauty of nature and life's simple pleasures. 

Ronald DaeWook Hong's legacy is a tapestry woven with threads of faith, compassion, and dedication. His life was a testament to the power of service and the profound impact that one individual can have on the world. As we bid farewell to this remarkable man, we celebrate the enduring spirit he has left in our hearts and the countless lives he has changed for the better.

Ronald's memory will be cherished and kept alive by his loving family, friends, and all those who were fortunate enough to have been touched by his extraordinary life. The family is humbled and overwhelmed by the showering of love and support from friends near and far.