Jonathan E. Raven
Age 70, passed away January 26, 2021, in Lansing, MI. He was born January 13, 1951, in Chicago, IL, to the late Seymour and Norma (Blackman) Raven.
Jonathan was a 1975 graduate of the University of Michigan Law School and did his undergraduate studies at Western Michigan University. Jonathan was a longtime Shareholder at Fraser Trebilcock, was a member of the State Bar of Michigan, U.S. District, Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, and Board Member Emeritus of Sparrow Health System.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Leslie (Shapiro) Raven; a daughter Jane (Brad) Rosen and their children: Elana Rosen and Sydney Rosen; a son David (Marisa) Raven; brothers: Jeremy Raven, identical twin brother Joel (Linda Rakolta) Raven, and Marc (Wendy) Raven.
There will be a private memorial service held. There will be live stream of the service at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 29, 2021 which may be viewed by going to the Congregation Shaarey Zedek website (https://shaareyzedek.com/) click on the Live Stream Services tab. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Lymphoma Research Foundation (www.lymphoma.org) or Foundation for Prader-Willi Research (www.fpwr.org). Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.
6 Messages to “Jonathan E. Raven”
Print MessagesPlease Sign The Guestbook
David Kaufman, D.O.
January 27, 2021 at 9:58 pmJon Raven was among the most brilliant and kindest human beings I ever met. I was blessed with having him as my assigned mentor when I joined the Sparrow Board in 2002. He was wonderful as an educator and soon thereafter as a friend.
I was surprised to learn Jon was surprising modest. When I would thank him for all the incredible lessons he was imparting during a mentoring session he would invariably say, “Dave, you teach me far more than I am teaching you”. I almost believed him at first because Jon said such things with utter humility and true sincerity. I found his lessons so valuable and insightful. Jon’s knowledge about hospital Boards for a system as complex as Sparrow were incredibly deep. Yet he taught me with such clarity. I tried to learn from him as best I could.
Those lessons however paled compared to what Jon taught me about life. Jon was a remarkably loyal and insightful human being. He loved his family and friends and he loved life with all his heart. He was special in that way. No matter what infirmity he had he took it and did his best to find a way to soldier on. In his last few years, despite the most difficult of all health issues he always moved forward, always looking ahead.
I am a bigger person because I knew Jon Raven. I was blessed because Jon was my friend and mentor. Occasionally, when I listen very carefully, Jon is still in my ear teaching me why things are the way they are especially within modern health care.
My only regret is not having more time with such an extraordinaire soul. I grief for that and I grief for Jon and his very special family.
Gary and Nancy McRay
January 28, 2021 at 8:38 amJon was great partner, smart board member and good friend, he will be missed by all of us and the community. Jon bless you.
Bill Schulz
January 28, 2021 at 10:07 amMost of my Jon Raven memories are from the time we were both young lawyers at Foster Swift. Jon was a talented lawyer and counselor and an engaging and generous colleague and friend. We travelled different paths after Jon left Foster Swift but after some time recently renewed our friendship with calls and lunches. He remained engaging, optimistic and anxious to fill me in on family – I don’t recall on any occasion if I was able to sneak a word in! He will be missed.
Cathy Claypool
January 28, 2021 at 12:14 pmJon was much too young to pass from this world. My heart aches as I remember him as a young attorney beginning his legal career at Foster Swift. I remember Jon visiting our home and he entertained my children by doing handstands in the living room! He was so physically fit and they were Impressed. Jon was kind to everyone. He was a people person. Always a smile on his Face that made you feel special. We feel privileged to have had the honor of knowing him. I am happy Jon came our way.
Cathy Claypool
January 28 2021
12 noon
Lawrence Bass
January 30, 2021 at 2:53 pmJonathan Raven was one of the first people I met when coming to Lansing in 1977. I was looking for a business attorney, but what I found was a life long best friend. Jon was always high energy! He could talk a mile a minute and at all times was several steps ahead of you.
Jon always had zest for new ideas and endeavors. But, what I remember most was his zest for life, and his unwavering commitment to his family and friends.
Jon always sent me his many “Foodie” reports and pictures, but what I’ll miss the most will be our early morning conversations, almost every day, before our respective daily business schedules began.
We served together on the Sparrow Health System board of directors where Jon’s contributions were immeasurable.
Jon was deeply devoted to his wife Leslie, his children, Jane and David, his grandchildren, and all of his brothers and their families.
No matter what, our friendship was unconditional for 44 years!
Rest In Peace my Friend, I Love You, and look down knowing that Laurie and I are here for You, Leslie and your entire family!
May Your Memory Always Be For A Blessing,
Larry and Laurie Bass
Mary Levine
February 22, 2021 at 9:16 amMike and I bumped into Jonathan at the Capitol Lawn farmer’s market about 2 years ago. We had a very nice chat and during the conversation we told him we were thinking about closing our office. He said, don’t do that, why don’t you come and work with us at Fraser, we would love to have Mike back and you would be an nice added addition! Well, we took him at his word and as of December we are part of the Fraser family. Sadly, neither Mike or I had a chance to thank Jonathan for his positive encouragement in person because of the pandemic. But, we will be eternally grateful to him for our chat that beautiful day in the summer. I wish you could have seen how happy he was that day just walking around and enjoying himself. Our sincere condolences to everyone in Jonathan’s family.