Raymond M Jefferson III
He lived his life like a ray of sunshine.
Our lives are brightened because of him.
Message from the chapter
Dear Members and Spouses,
It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of our dear friend and fellow member, Ray Jefferson. Ray was a valued part of our community, who contributed significantly to the chapter and his presence will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know him.
During this difficult time, our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Please join us in offering our heartfelt condolences to his family and you are welcome to do so on the 'Tributes' section and share picture you have with Ray in the 'Photo Memories' of this site.
The US Department of Veterans Affairs will be transporting him through Jakarta to NY. He is expected to receive a military funeral in the US, and to be interred at West Point, a place that was a huge part of the person he became.
We will be having a YPO remembrance for Ray next Saturday 26th October, 9am to 11am (Venue: Catapult, Auditorium Level 2
1 Rochester Park #02-01, Singapore 139212) where we will come together to remember our dear friend and celebrate his life. Please RSVP here https://forms.gle/ELsuraacyuZVkEJw9
Yours sincerely,
Amit Dhupelia and Raj Mitta
Chapter Chairs, YPO Singapore Integrated
Photo Memories
Tributes
https://upliftingservice.zoom.us/j/84554858939
(Hosted by Ray’s friend and the memorial emcee Ron Kaufman)
We invite all those who have been touched by Ray's extraordinary life to share thoughts, memories, tender moments, humor, and wishes. Please write from your heart to share with all the others in all of Ray's global communities. While we are all so deeply saddened by his passing, we also invite your celebratory sharing of his life and of course lessons you experienced our short time with our dear friend Ray.
Your photos will be very much appreciated by all, especially Ray's family in the U.S..
This memorial page has been created by Ray's friends in the Young Presidents' Organisation (YPO), Southeast Asia Chapter. Globally, YPO was central to Ray's life and ethos, and we request YPO members to please mention your chapter, and any meaningful YPO experiences with Ray that you wish others to appreciate with you.
https://www.smartbrief.com/original/honoring-a-leadership-legacy?utm_term=D9E840EA-ECC9-4148-9E78-02E6BA34F285&lrh=511963deefc8f5ad5614bb3e6bbe481ce5e929cd3ff6d7d2155b2c82fad0f66e&utm_campaign=77F8DA5B-9982-431B-9E20-444163A3CF79&utm_content=1E9EEC36-AA61-4598-B1DB-22AE8B2A5191&utm_source=brief
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/carinknoop_hbsaaa-leadership-resilience-activity-7206852447200247809-xqqP?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
And our tribute to him is here:
https://carinisabelknoop.medium.com/strength-in-vulnerability-the-inspiring-journey-of-ray-jefferson-620e57156045.
His light will continue to shine bright,
Carin
I was privileged to experience his unwavering commitment and warmth firsthand. He showed me what it truly means to be dedicated, resilient, and compassionate.
I carry forward the invaluable lessons and beautiful memories he left behind, honoring the incredible person he was. He will always be cherished.
Dear Ray,
Thank you for coming into our lives, for the warmth and friendship, for inspiring us to live with integrity.
I am reminded of a powerful message delivered by the conductor Ben Zander’s as part of his magnificent performance on the art of possibility at YPO’s Miami GLC, 15 years ago: we never know when will be our last communication.
“it really makes a difference what we say -- the words that come out of our mouth. I learned this from a woman who survived Auschwitz, one of the rare survivors. She went to Auschwitz when she was 15 years old. And her brother was eight, and the parents were lost. And she told me this, she said, "We were in the train going to Auschwitz, and I looked down and saw my brother's shoes were missing. I said, 'Why are you so stupid, can't you keep your things together for goodness' sake?'" The way an elder sister might speak to a younger brother. Unfortunately, it was the last thing she ever said to him, because she never saw him again. He did not survive. And so when she came out of Auschwitz, she made a vow. She told me this. She said, "I walked out of Auschwitz into life and I made a vow. And the vow was, "I will never say anything that couldn't stand as the last thing I ever say." Now, can we do that? No. And we'll make ourselves wrong and others wrong. But it is a possibility to live into.” (from Zander’s TED talk similar to the Miami performance https://www.ted.com/talks/benjamin_zander_the_transformative_power_of_classical_music)
I miss you Ray.
Ray had an incredible life story, high integrity, and a giving spirit. He was clearly a mensch! As Leo Rosten defined the term in Joys of Yiddish, Ray was “an upright, honorable, and decent person; someone of consequence; someone to admire and emulate; someone of noble character.”
May the memory of Ray be a blessing for all of us who knew him and for all who benefited from his life and work even if they never knew Ray directly.
What an honor and privilege it was to have had a chance to call Ray my friend. I first met Ray in the early 2000s, when he came to Singapore to "check it out". If memory serves he was fresh out of Harvard at that time.
Ray helped me a lot during our Covid Circuit breaker, and I am so grateful to the Universe I had a chance to pay some of that debt just in time. I will also always treasure his line "never let someone else tell you what you can and cannot do".
Luckily, I never managed to correct the way he said my name. That has turned out to be a huge blessing because that means I can always remember his voice and the unique way he called out to me.
Farewell to Ray, a lovely and very kind soul who had to endure so many trials and tribulations.
Thank you very much dear Lord God for letting him go out at a high, with his name cleared and a full schedule of client work and commitments in the weeks and months ahead. May his Soul rest in peace.
May his soul rest in peace.
https://shorturl.at/b1Ruz
We celebrate his contributions and his warm and positive energy.
Today is all we have. Make the most of it..
He was a very generous soul and great role model. He really helped me when I was struggling emotionally with closing my business during Covid.
His words of "never let someone else tell you what you can and cannot do" will always ring for me.
God is kind that he had the chance to win his lawsuit and restore his reputation before passing 💚. God bless his Soul with peaceful rest 🙏🏼.
Ray, lived a life with a clear purpose: to leave a legacy of dignity, gratitude, and helping others grow. Through his passion and openness, he exemplified what it means to live a meaningful life. I’ll never forget the day Ray come to visit our home to share with Alex and I, his life HBS case. The humility he showed, passion and emotions, when sharing his fight to regain his reputation and legacy with us was strong. He was always eager for feedback, even as his accomplishments spoke for themselves.
His heart was filled with humility and kindness, and he never failed to carry a smile. I hope heaven is dancing with him now, just as he brought joy and grace to those around him.
A celebration for your life to you Ray! You will be missed by the Perrotta family and by everyone that meet you.
A Tribute to Ray Jefferson >> https://youtu.be/2ldt7BnLfvc
Ron Kaufman
Selfless approach of first being vulnerable with strangers so that we can gain from the experience. Leader amongst leader.
Loved his self love - it was so cute to see him smile and genuinely feel happy when we commented about his silky tailor made shirt. Cross between batik and bright colours.
Will miss you. God bless your family. #blessed2knowU
I had a wonderful conversation with him about his life story. We were sitting out in the sun by a lake. That night Ray joined in the fun and was literally dancing on the tables after dinner.
What a sad loss. Rest peacefully, Ray.
His message on spending his birthday at Harvard on his case study was our last exchange. He felt very surreal !
Ray, the memory will be treasures.
I shared with Ray that I was working on writing and directing a short film while battling cancer. I share with you his email to me a few days after we spoke.
I lament his passing. I rejoice in the legacy he leaves us all.
Hi Deborah,
I’m rooting for you! Although I’m also rebuilding financially from devoting my entire life savings to clearing my name, I’m inspired by your journey and would like to make a small donation.
Could you let me know how to do so?
With warm regards,
Ray
A brother , a fighter and a role model taken too soon . May he rest in peace .
You were an amazing and inspiring human being - thank you for all you have done and for who you have been. I will remember you smiling, like in the picture you shared with me not long ago.
Knowing Ray as we all did, I imagine he’d cajole us not to mourn, but to focus on the great moments we had with him…and more important, to commit to making the most of every moment to come.
We will miss him, but we will treasure the opportunity to have known him.
I celebrate the life of my dear friend, Ray Jefferson, and the amazing moments we shared together. I write this from Mumbai, India, with a heavy heart, but with the memory of the warmth of our last hug just weeks ago in Singapore.
We had wrapped up a wonderful meeting at the Bank of Singapore with the extraodinary Denise Ho, and, as always, we said our goodbyes with an affectionate embrace.
Just a day after receiving a WhatsApp from Ray this last Saturday, reminding me about an action I needed to take, he was gone.
Ray wasn’t just an extraordinary leader and advisor—he brought depth, light, and warmth into every room.
Our time together this year in Singapore, whether pitching, sharing insights, or simply connecting, was unforgettable.
His wisdom was profound, but it was his unique presence, his selflessness, and his genuine care for others that made our bond so special.
We didn’t just talk business; we connected on a deeper, spiritual level.
Ray’s sudden passing leaves a void, but the joy, laughter, and invaluable lessons he shared will remain with me always.
Knowing Ray for 14 years feels far too short, but I cherish every moment.
Rest in peace, my friend. Bon Voyage!
Take a look at Ray’s HBS case study, and you’ll get an inkling of the incredible man he was.
Condolences and Prayers to Ray's family and friends!
Some time later, my Forum was planning a retreat and I was charged with putting together the exercises. I had heard Ray had become a YPO CFF, a Hofmann resource, and was doing coaching. He was expensive, and it took some coaxing, cajoling and convincing with my Forum but I finally brought him on.
My most special memory is spending countless hours over coffee, calls, emails and WhatsApps helping him prepare the entire Forum exercise for the retreat.
He was a thorough professional and he gave us a masterclass during the retreat which I still remember after all these years.
He is a special soul and he is liberated now ...
Ray’s life was a true trial by fire. Through every challenge, he showed unshakable courage and a relentless commitment to his values. His legacy is one of strength, sacrifice, and integrity. May he rest in power and peace 🙏
I got to know Ray during the depths of Covid when I engaged him as a personal coach on a few things I needed help with.
I learnt some amazing things from Ray during those few days together. And continued to over the last few years as we spoke about many things happening for both of us. He helped me way way more than I could possibly help him.
Ray had a deep understanding of human nature and the ingredients for positive development in all areas. His counsel and voice on a whole range of things resonate even more today knowing he’s no longer with us.
Ray embodied many things and the best of YPO. Boundless positivity, total resilience and a desire to serve both his fellow man and his country.
We were privileged to have him in our chapter. And he deserves a proper send off.