Kevin Reid Wong

In Loving Memory of Kevin Reid Wong

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Kevin took tremendous pride in his work and in the business, he built from the ground up.

Kevin Reid Wong of El Macero, California, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at the age of 67, from natural causes related to behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) and aphasia.

Kevin was born in Sacramento on December 11, 1958. A graduate of John F. Kennedy High School, he began his working life at the family business, Bel Air Markets, where he worked alongside his father, Paul, managing in-store maintenance and improvements. His early responsibilities included sorting glass soda bottles and delivering donuts to the stores in the early morning hours. Those humble beginnings laid the foundation for a lifetime of hard work, dedication, and entrepreneurship.

When Bel Air Markets was sold to Raley’s, Kevin founded his own general contracting company, KW Construction. On October 23, 2026, the company will celebrate 30 years in business, a milestone that reflects Kevin’s skill, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit. Throughout his career and with the help of his team, he built lasting relationships and completed numerous projects for clients including Safeway, Raley’s, and SMUD, with work extending to Hawaii, Nevada, Arizona and Utah. Kevin took tremendous pride in his work and in the business, he built from the ground up.

A Passion for the Outdoors

While Kevin was a talented businessman and contractor, his greatest passion was hunting. An expert with bow and arrow, he traveled around the world on hunting adventures with friends who admired his skill, enthusiasm, and boundless energy. His companions affectionately nicknamed him “Running Elk” because they could hardly keep up with him in the field.

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His companions affectionately nicknamed him “Running Elk” because they could hardly keep up with him in the field.

Kevin was an avid collector of hunting memorabilia and equipment, and his passion extended to his taxidermy business, Wildlife Artistry. His office was legendary—a miniature version of Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shops, two of his favorite places to shop for hunting gear. It was a fitting reflection of a man who embraced every aspect of the hunting life.

Among Kevin’s proudest accomplishments was taking a brown bear in Alaska with his bow and arrow. He took great pride in his achievements as a bowhunter and received numerous awards over the years for his prized animals. He was also proud to serve as president of the Sacramento Safari Club International. Each year, Kevin played a major role in organizing the club’s fundraising event, working tirelessly to secure donations for the auctions. His dedication, generosity, and ability to bring people together made him an invaluable part of the organization.

A Life Well Lived

Kevin’s interests extended well beyond hunting. He loved golfing at El Macero Country Club, fishing, duck hunting, and enjoying a spirited game of liar’s dice or poker with friends. An outstanding athlete, he also enjoyed snow skiing, water skiing, tennis, and volleyball.

Kevin was equally passionate about gardening and took great pride in his home and grounds. A master gardener, he meticulously maintained the beautiful gardens surrounding his home alongside the second hole of the golf course. His grounds became a showcase for all to enjoy, reflecting his attention to detail and appreciation for the outdoors.

A Love Story and a Journey Together

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Kevin was equally passionate about gardening and took great pride in his home and grounds.

Kevin met Kristin through a blind date arranged by their mutual friend and matchmaker, Frank. For Kevin and Kristin, it was love at first sight. They married the following year and celebrated 23 years of marriage on May 10.

When Kevin was diagnosed with bvFTD and aphasia in 2019, their lives took an unexpected turn. Together, they faced the challenges of his illness with determination, devotion, and a commitment to making the most of every day. For the years that followed, Kristin made it her mission to keep Kevin engaged in the life he loved. She took him on trips throughout the country and, remarkably, kept him golfing until the end of his life.

Throughout this journey, Kevin was surrounded by wonderful caregivers who provided loving care in the comfort of his home. Over time, they became family. Together, with compassion, dedication, and love, they worked to ensure that Kevin continued to enjoy the best possible quality of life.

Mission accomplished!

Kristin’s unwavering love and devotion gave Kevin the gift of meaningful experiences, familiar comforts, and precious time together. Their journey was a testament to the strength of their bond and the power of love in the face of life’s most difficult challenges.

Family and Those He Leaves Behind

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Their journey was a testament to the strength of their bond and the power of love in the face of life’s most difficult challenges.

Kevin is survived by his beloved wife of 23 years, Kristin Kelleher-Wong; his mother, Jacqueline Fong; his sister, Tracey Mathias; his half-sister, Candace Wong; his nieces, Lesley Hamamoto and Alyssa Mathias; his nephews, Christopher Mathias and Dylan Tamblyn; and many loving cousins throughout the Sacramento area.

Kevin will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his expertise with bow and arrow, his strong work ethic, his love of the outdoors, and the many friendships he cultivated throughout his life. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, generosity, and a life lived with enthusiasm and purpose. Above all, he will be remembered by those who loved him for the memories they shared and the indelible mark he left on their lives.

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life honoring Kevin will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at El Macero Country Club.

Those wishing to sign the online guest book may do so at www.smith-funerals.com.

Your presence, love, and prayers are a meaningful tribute to Kevin and are more than enough. For those who wish to donate in his memory, the family welcomes contributions to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) or the Sacramento Safari Club.