Bass Cat mourns loss of Founder Ron Pierce

Bass Cat and Yar-Craft mourn the loss of Bass Cat founder and industry leader Ron Pierce, who passed away over the weekend.

Pierce, along with his wife Jan, started Bass Cat in their two-car garage in 1971. Over his 44-year career, Pierce took Bass Cat from its beginnings and transformed it to become the bass fishing boat manufacturer it is today.

In addition to Pierce’s legacy at Bass Cat, he achieved a successful career in the plastics industry, served as the Mayor of Mountain Home from 1976 to 1986 and even had an Oval Office meeting with President Reagan.

“Dad was a great man who cared about people more than most anything. He believed in fairness among all and was proud of his ongoing opposition special interest in any civil, community or state project,” said Rick Pierce, Ron’s son and president of Bass Cat and Yar-Craft. “Most importantly, he was a great father and grandfather.”

“It was always such a pleasure to visit with Ron Pierce; I am truly saddened by this news,” said Correct Craft CEO Bill Yeargin. “Ron was not only an important leader in the bass industry, but also a dear friend to all at Bass Cat and Yar-Craft, and he will be missed by many.”

Memorial services will be held Sunday Dec. 11 at the First Baptist Church Mountain Home, 2 p.m. CST.