Happy Birthday, Jon Van Cleave
Remembering a Founding Member, Community Leader, and True NAC Legend
Today, we celebrate the birthday of a remarkable man — Jon Van Cleave, a beloved founding board member of the Newport Aquatic Center whose spirit, leadership, and love of community continue to ripple through NAC and beyond. Jon was more than a co-founder — he was an athlete, coach, mentor, and all-around Renaissance man whose passion for water sports and community building helped shape the foundation of NAC. His adventurous nature and commitment to every challenge inspired everyone lucky enough to know him, from seasoned paddlers to first-timers dipping their oars for the first time.
He was a pararescue jumper, gold-medal winning athlete and Olympian, attorney, successful businessman, cowboy, scuba diver, outdoorsman, pilot and so much more. There was really nothing that Jon could not do once he put his mind to it. Although Jon passed away in July of 2023, his legacy lives on in every swell and sprint of our races, in the laughter echoing across the water, and in the countless friendships sparked on NAC docks.
Each year, the NAC honors Jon’s grit through the JVC Rodeo — a multi-craft 5k challenge.On this special day, let’s remember Jon not just for what he built, but for who he was: 
A visionary who brought people together. 
A competitor who led with heart. 
A mentor who made every person feel seen and supported. 
A friend whose legacy will never fade. Happy Birthday, Jon. We honor you — one paddle at a time.