Raymond M Jefferson III

June  13th, 1966 October  13th, 2024
A dear friend and brother to so many, in so many places around our world.
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

Memorial Live Stream, 26 Oct 2024, 9am-11am SGT
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.


October 28, 2024
It is difficult to accept that Ray is no longer with us. He always brought an abundance of energy, optimism, and a belief in the best of us to everything in which he was involved. I met Ray when he was awarded one of the first Bert King fellowships at HBS. I knew Flash would love his story and their shared experiences as graduates of a military academy (Ray at West Point and Flash at Air Force Academy)-and introduced them. Ray has been a part of our lives ever since. We visited him in Singapore and followed his career and life closely. Ray was a hard worker and thoughtful man who brought about many ‘firsts’ on his watch. He was an exceptional person and we feel blessed we had time together when he was in Boston for the HBS discussion of his case. He will be missed dearly.
Bennie and Flash Wiley
October 27, 2024
Dear family and friends, my heart breaks for the vacuum left by Ray's passing, I cannot imagine how painful this loss might be and my team and I send our heartfelt consoldences. We had a chance to get to write about his life and resilience story in a case study at Harvard Business School in the past couple of years. Here is a link to an event at Harvard Business School in honor of the case (June 2024)
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
Carin-Isabel Knoop
October 27, 2024
I feel blessed to have known Ray. His beautiful smile lit up a room, and now, I am so happy that I was able to tell him that just a few months ago. He continually impressed me - his kind hearted nature coupled with his heroic background. He was special, one of a kind and a truly good human being. He will be missed.
Debra Mandel Rogers
October 26, 2024
I very clearly remember the day I met you here in Singapore, the smile & the light you brought into the breakfast room. Thank you for walking into my life, it has been great knowing you, RIP my friend!
Gillian Tay
October 25, 2024
Sharing a chat exchange between Ray and myself signifying the respect and personal connection he had with so many.
Boudewijn Pesch
October 25, 2024
I was honored to be Ray’s classmate in business school. I learned so much from his humble leadership style. I will miss Ray’s positive attitude and his friendly greeting. He was so thoughtful and caring. He touched many lives and will be missed!
Michele Korfin
October 25, 2024
Ray and I shared being veterans and West Pointers together at grad school. Ray was such a positive force throughout our class, a first class guy, leader and genuinely awesome human being. I am fortunate to have known him. A great man gone too soon. Ray and his family and friends will be in my thoughts and prayers. Ray, may it be said, “Well done!”
Bill Wilshire
October 25, 2024
Ray was always so positive and comforting to others. Always in service. I recall our time in Business School when he took time to help another dear friend and classmate of ours work out in the school's weight room. He was also always the ladies man. Passing out compliments left and right. I will miss his smile and how every interaction he asked how I was doing and really genuinely wanted to hear. You have blessed so many Ray and your memory and legacy will live on. My deepest condolences to his family, Shari (HBS'00)
Shari Hubert
October 25, 2024
He lived his life like a ray of sunshine. Our lives are brighten because of him. See you again my brother 😇🌈🙏✝️
Richard Hoon
October 25, 2024
Ray's courage, strength, and focus shaped not only his life but also inspired everyone around him.

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.
Pamela Kiew
October 25, 2024
Ray, I was counting on seeing you again in the office and the news of your sudden departure is difficult to accept. The impact your testimony and life story has had on me and no doubt many others cannot be understated. You were gone far too soon but the difference you made on this earth will continue to live on through all who knew you.
Ruth Ho
October 25, 2024
Ray, your genuine care and warmth live in us. May you rest in peace. You will always be in my heart.
Noni Purnomo
October 21, 2024

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.

Guillaume Levy-Lambert
October 20, 2024
Very sad to hear of Ray's passing. He was a great man who provided guidance and support for all who knew him. First met him in India when he gave inspiring leadership talks to Harley-Davidson of India. May he rest in peace.
John McEnaney
October 19, 2024
I had the privilege of working with Ray to launch the first HBS alumni forum in Singapore. We were just beginning to work on creating other forums there and elsewhere. I will sorely miss 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.
Bob Halperin
October 19, 2024
As I just learned from a grief counsellor, Death by nature is always random. Or, as many beliefs hold, your time to leave is pre-destined. In either case, it was his time to leave us last week.

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.
Ashok Melwani
October 18, 2024
I've had the honor of knowing Ray for the better part of a decade. More than a business partner, he was a friend and absolute fountain of happiness and positivity. It was an honor for me to be a part of his world and adventures, working with him brought me some of the most interesting stories of my career. Our late night zoom calls to discuss business and phone calls to celebrate big news will always hold a special place in my heart.. Much love my friend, I'll see you in the next chapter <3
Stephen Cerruto
October 18, 2024
Grateful to have known you and received your generous care and concern 🙏🙏 Just wished I could have done more for you. 💙💙
Kris Ang
October 18, 2024
Ray was a wonderful soul and he will be missed! May he rest in peace.
Vikas Nahata
October 18, 2024
Ray - from our shared business school experience to your recently shared story reflected in a case - you've shown us by example how to live with generosity, resilience and kindness. Thanks for the lessons, cut far too short. Rest well knowing your impact will endure. Our condolences to all your loved ones.
Lisa Tollman
October 17, 2024
I first met Ray through my company during a leadership seminar and later during a 1:1 three-day coaching session where Ray taught me so much about 'mental peak performance.' Some of the techniques he shared with me—box breathing, MERPV journaling—have become part of my daily routine. Ray had an enormous impact on my life and will remain one of the most influential encounters I’ve ever had. I am deeply saddened and devastated by his sudden passing. Over the years, we stayed close, and he became a trusted member of my 'kitchen cabinet.' I will miss him dearly, but his teachings live on within me, and I pass them on each day to my family, friends, and colleagues. May Ray rest in peace.
Bertrand Garnier
October 17, 2024
I’ve been reflecting on the moments we shared with Ray during the Day Chair workshop a few weeks ago at the Shangri La Hotel where Alan Hepburn was leading it. He had an incredible gift for making everyone feel cared for on our table, and his insights on our events were so thoughtful. I truly enjoyed his company, and his warmth and generosity left a lasting impression. Ray's presence will be greatly missed, but his contributions and the way he connected with all of us will always be remembered. Rest in peace, Ray – we’ll miss you dearly.
Kathy Lim Sheehy (YPO Singapore)
October 17, 2024
Gone far too young and with so much still ahead of him. Life is so full of unexpected turns. RIP brother Ray. You will be missed.


Loh Lik Peng (YPO Singapore)
October 17, 2024
Very sad n devastating He is a great,honest n righteous man. I hd known him fr a long time Only few weeks ago we hd lunch together and he was in his usual jovial & positive mood. We will missed such a great person who embodies resilience & grit.
May his soul rest in peace.
Tan Ching Khoon (YPO Singapore)
October 17, 2024
He has been such a lovely member of the group and an inspiration with his story. He will be missed. It is also such a reminder that life can be so fleeting. May his soul rest in peace.
Maya Hari (YPO Singapore)
October 17, 2024
It was very sad to read about his passing this morning. He was been a wonderful friend to my forum and created tremendous value to our retreats. He was so proud to spend his birthday this year at Harvard.

https://shorturl.at/b1Ruz

We celebrate his contributions and his warm and positive energy.
Phey Teck Moh (YPO Singapore)
October 17, 2024
As a resource, as a fellow YPO mate, as a person, he always has a kind word and warm hug whenever we met. This sudden lost is also a reminder to us all about everything that he stood for.
Nichol Ng (YPO Singapore)
October 17, 2024
I am very very sad to hear this news.. I did not know him well but the few interactions I had with Ray were very delightful and inspiring. May you rest in peace dear Ray 🙏
Today is all we have. Make the most of it..
Aymeric Lacroix (YPO Singapore)
October 17, 2024
It's so good that we finally had the learning event early this year with Ray as the resource.

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 🙏🏼.
Ashok Melwani (YPO Singapore)
October 17, 2024
I did not know Ray personally, but like many, I have been touched by his incredible story and strength of character. This is a tragic loss, yet his story of resilience has left a lasting impact on us and made the world a better place. May he rest in peace.🕊️
Charles Stacey (YPO Singapore)
October 17, 2024
I had the pleasure of meeting Ray on a number of occasions and sharing lunch together a few months back. Ray was a true source of inspiration and full of positive energy. He will be greatly missed.
Gavin Barfield
October 17, 2024
What a profound loss to our community! Ray was an extraordinary leader who dedicated his life to helping others reach their full potential. His unwavering commitment to making a positive impact will be deeply missed. I am grateful for the privilege of knowing him through YPO.
Win Win Tint
October 17, 2024


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.
Joany Perrotta
October 17, 2024
You are welcome to share this video eulogy with others.

A Tribute to Ray Jefferson >> https://youtu.be/2ldt7BnLfvc

Ron Kaufman

Ron Kaufman
October 17, 2024
Dear Ray, We had a wonderful conversion in April this year as if we were waiting for the same for so long! Thank you for giving me so many great memories working together in Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Singapore. I will miss your kindness, charisma and care . I lost someone who is the epitome of calmness and peace. You always imparted them to me . You will be remembered forever .Adios my friend ❤️🌹🙏
Raja Pillai
October 17, 2024
Loved his genuine interest in people. Gentle Giant with mean skills that can kill.. A man's man.

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
Lim Luke
October 17, 2024
Ray was a friend a close friend, he was my coach, he guided me when I needed it and he helped my company and my team transform. He thought me and introduced me to Pranic Healing and he would take me to hot yoga classes in Dubai when outside was 50C!! And he did so much more. His fight to regain his family reputation inspired me and my family and he was a source of inspiration for my son. He thought me the true meaning of grit and resilience and his smile and optimism were a major source of strength and inspiration to me and many others. I will miss my friend Ray. God will reward him for what he stood for...God bless his incredible soul. Alex
Alessandro Perrotta
October 16, 2024
I first met Ray in December 2019 when he came to our YPO Facilitator meeting in Melbourne.
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.
Maryanne Mooney
October 16, 2024
I was deeply shocked hearing the news of Ray’s sudden passing. An eloquent speaker exuding warmth and charm, I was touched by his life experiences and significant learnings shared. Ray will be missed dearly. Rest in peace, dear Ray.

Betty Leong
October 16, 2024
Ray was a special friend who exudes warmth and care with his smiles. He had contributed to our growth as a resource in 2 of our forum retreats.

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.
Teck Moh
October 16, 2024
I met Ray only a few months ago through our mutual dear friend, Ted Carter. But in that short time I was not only inspired by his wisdom and integrity, but also his incredible kindness.

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
Deborah Franco
October 16, 2024
It was a pleasure to have known Ray as a fellow YPOer. He was always bright, cheerful and friendly. We will miss him.
Mui hoon POH
October 16, 2024
This is very sad news to receive , having known this special guy since his first days in Singapore . His courage and conviction in fighting injustice is an example to us all and I would encourage anyone to read his HBS case .
A brother , a fighter and a role model taken too soon . May he rest in peace .
Terry O'Connor
October 16, 2024
Dear Ray, I am grateful for all the interaction we had and the time we spent together. I am grateful that I got to see you for dinner during my last visit to Singapore and, more importantly, I am grateful for everything I learned from you.
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.
Timothy Cosulich
October 16, 2024
Ray was a special friend to all of us in his business school section, affectionately known as “G2K.”
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.
Dan Streetman
October 16, 2024
YPO Dallas Gold: Sean Magennis

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!
Sean Magennis
October 16, 2024
I have known Ray for many years and from the very first encounter during a YPO event in Singapore I knew he was someone special. The sparkle in his eye, his intense yet gentle gaze, his presence and ability to listen will be forever in my mind and heart. Ray is still someone we can feel. His presence is real and will last forever in our hearts. He has now taken his next step into the Universal consciousness and his energy and contribution will be something we will be grateful for the rest of our lives. Barbara and I will miss you deeply my friend and see you on the other side☀️☀️☀️🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️
Vincenzo Ciummo
October 16, 2024
I met Ray many years ago when he first joined YPO Singapore Chapter. Seeing a new face in the room, I went up to him and we got chatting. On hearing about his hand and his issues in Washington, I marvelled at his smile and sparkle and he said "Channel all your negative energies into positive outcomes for others".

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 ...
Deepak Gupta (YPO Singapore)
October 16, 2024
I first met Ray when I was championing a chapter event. He was a great speaker and facilitator as usual and I enjoyed interacting with him. But I really got to know him after I moved to Singapore. It was almost serendipitous that we bumped into each other at the oddest of places. That’s when we decided we should do a proper catch up. I loved the conversations we had about YPO, forums and spirituality. I remember him as a someone with strong values yet very open to different viewpoints. He had a great personal story that is inspirational to many. He was a dear friend and he will be greatly missed.
Nisha Purushothaman
October 16, 2024
Ray gave a workshop to Family Business Network years ago which helped us shore up our forum practices. Ironically I still remember how he gave a touching memorial tribute to a FBN who also passed before his time. Thank you for enriching all of our lives Ray, you will be missed.
Ng yi-xian
October 16, 2024
Although I only met Ray a few times, but he had a way of making every encounter feel like you’d known him for years. His warmth and sincerity were immediate. Ray spent much of his life—and personal savings—fighting to clear his name, not for wealth, but because honor meant everything to him. He led by example, even sacrificing his left hand to protect his men from a defective explosive.

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 🙏
Deborah Widjaja
October 16, 2024
I attended a forum moderator training by Ray many years ago and met him a couple of times at events. He has such a warm, friendly smile and demeanour, making one feel so special in his presence. His life story is inspiring and his contributions to his country and to our YPO chapter is immeasurable. Rest in peace, Ray 💕. You will be dearly missed.
Siak
October 16, 2024
This is tough to write. A few lines here can’t do justice to the mark Ray left but I will try.

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.
Manraj Sekhon (YPO Singapore)
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