Latest news with #OrderoftheLongLeafPine
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Charlotte breweries pay respects after death of Highland founder, NC craft beer pioneer
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The Charlotte brewery community is mourning the loss of a North Carolina craft beer pioneer. Asheville's Highland Brewing Company announced that founder Oscar Wong died Sunday after a battle with cancer. He was 84. 'With heavy hearts, we share the news of the passing of our beloved founder, Oscar P. Wong, lovingly known as the 'Godfather of Asheville Craft Beer,'' the brewery wrote on social media. Financial services company picks Charlotte for new HQ, bringing nearly 300 jobs According to the brewery's website, Wong brewed Highland's first beers in the basement of Barley's Taproom in 1994. That's where their staples like Gaelic Ale, Oatmeal Porter, and Old Mountain Winter Ale were created. Highland was the first known Asheville brewery post-prohibition in a city that's now home to more than 35 breweries and a beer-lovers' haven. Wong is a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state's highest civilian honor, and Highland became the largest independent, family-owned brewery founded in the Southeast. Charlotte has also grown into a craft beer hot spot over the last decade. Many of Mecklenburg County's 40-plus breweries offered their condolences to the Highland and Wong families, which some say helped them in their own business ventures. 'We are so sorry for your loss. Oscar did so much for us when we were young and clueless. We will be forever grateful.' — Birdsong Brewing 'We are so sorry for your loss! While we don't know you all incredibly well, we do know how much of a guide and legend he was to the city of Asheville, and the state of North Carolina as a whole. Our thoughts are with you, and the entire team at Highland.' — Heist Brewery 'He was and will continue to be such an inspiration. Thank you Oscar and rest in peace. Our hearts go out to the @highlandbrewing family. 💚' — Vaulted Oak Brewing 'Rest in peace, Oscar. Your legacy will always live on 🍻' — Lost Worlds Brewing Highland moved to an 11-acre facility in East Asheville in 2006. Wong's daughter, Leah Wong Ashburn, is the president and CEO. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Founder of Asheville's first legal craft brewery after Prohibition era passes away
The founder of a popular brewery company in Asheville and the 'Godfather of Asheville Craft Beer" has passed away, Highland Brewing Company announced on Facebook. Oscar P. Wong passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, according to the brewery. Wong was given 6-12 months to live after receiving a cancer diagnosis three years ago. ALSO READ: NoDa Brewing launches 'Poured with Purpose' campaign to support local nonprofits Wong founded the Highland Brewing Company after a career as an engineer. It was Asheville's first legal craft brewery since the Prohibition era. It opened in 1994, according to Channel 9's partners WLOS. He was also awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2023, the highest honor granted by the governor of North Carolina. (WATCH BELOW: 'A wave is coming': NC farmer says tariffs, inflation hitting some harder than others)
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Highland Brewing founder, Asheville craft beer pioneer, Oscar Wong, dead at 84
ASHEVILLE - Oscar Wong, a beloved father, friend and community member who became known as the "Godfather of Asheville Craft Beer" as the founder of the city's first brewery, Highland Brewing, has died. On May 25, Oscar Wong died peacefully at his home with Anna Wong, his wife of 57 years, and one of his daughters, Leah Wong Ashburn, by his side, according to a news release from Highland Brewing. He was 84. Nearly three years ago, Wong was diagnosed with cancer and given a prognosis of six months to a year to live. Wong was described as a person who valued the "quality of life and spent his remaining time fully immersed in the love of his family and those he cherished deeply." He was attributed to saying, 'Personal relationships are the currency of life.' Wong often "expressed deep gratitude for an enriched life that exceeded his wildest imagination," the news release stated. "From sipping scotch with friends every Friday to playing handball at 84, Oscar lived fully and always encouraged those around him to do the same," the news release stated. Wong's death comes after what was officially recognized as Oscar Wong Day on May 16, commemorating the founding of Highland Brewing and Wong's contributions to setting the foundation for Asheville to become known as a "Beer City." In 1994, Wong launched Highland Brewing in the basement of Barley's Taproom at 42 Biltmore Ave. downtown. Wong, the son of Chinese immigrants in Jamaica, attended Notre Dame and went on to lead a long and successful career as an engineer. Upon retirement, Wong made a home in Asheville, where he discovered a new interest: craft beer. Wong became an entrepreneur, mentor, active society member, and performed community service at ARC, Rotary and UNC Asheville. In 2023, he was presented by the governor with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina's highest civilian award. Other accolades earned over the decades include the U.S. Small Business Administration's Person of the Year for North Carolina and the Brewers Association's Recognition Award for 'individuals whose inspiration, enthusiasm, and support have contributed to the craft brewing movement.' Last year, Wong celebrated Highland Brewing's 30th anniversary. "My vision was that it would be one or two breweries in town, and I'd be one of those and have my personal watering hole and it'd be small," Wong told the Citizen Times in 2024. Highland Brewing will host a celebration of life for Wong at Noon on June 29. This is a developing story. Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Tips, comments, questions? Email tkennell@ or follow @PrincessOfPage on Instagram/Bluesky. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Oscar Wong, Highland Brewing founder, local beer pioneer, dead at 84
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Governor Stein awards Byrd, Butterfield at Long Leaf Pine Presentation
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT) — Governor Josh Stein inducted eight North Carolinians into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine for their lifelong careers in public service. He also presented the Laurel Wreath to two North Carolinians who have made outstanding contributions to sports or athletics. Two Eastern North Carolinians were honored at the ceremony. East Carolina baseball's Parker Byrd was presented with the Laurel Wreath, granted to those that have made outstanding contributions to sports or athletics. Former United States Congressman G.K. Butterfield was inducted into the order of the Long Leaf Pine for his contributions to the state and through exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments in politics. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Pollocksville Mayor receives Order of the Long Leaf Pine
POLLOCKSVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — In the small town of Pollocksville in Jones County, Jay Bender has served as the Mayor for 42 years. On Tuesday night, Mayor Bender walked into Town Hall for just a normal board meeting, but town officials, friends and family surprised him with the honor of a lifetime. 'I had no idea, it was just a complete shock' said Pollocksville Mayor Jay Bender. 'I didn't know why my wife was coming with me to start and then when I saw my daughter, I knew there had to be something because she came from Raleigh.' Mayor Bender is now the recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. People who know him well say the honor is well deserved 'He is all about Pollocksville. He is a great historian and would be happy to tell you anything you want to know about Pollocksville' Pollocksville's Mayor Pro-Tempore Sherry Henderson said. 'But he is also oriented for other areas, he serves on the airport board and does stuff in New Bern. He is just very civic minded and is always giving to his community. He wants what is best for Eastern North Carolina.' Whether it was hurricane flood recovery or just being an active person in the community, Mayor Bender says he loves his role and the Town of Pollocksville. 'I just want the best for my town,' Bender said. 'Its never about me its about the town. What we can do to make it a better place.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
