Duly Noted

In memoriam:
Jon T. Ferrier


Retired attorney Jon T. Ferrier died suddenly on Jan. 6 at the age of 60.


Prior to his retirement from Rhoades McKee’s Family Law Practice Group, Ferrier worked as a 17th Circuit Court Referee in the Family Division for 25 years. In the course of his career, he was President of the Referees Association of Michigan, Chair of the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan, and named an honorary Lifetime Member of the Friend of the Court Association.


Ferrier created the Domestic Relations Education Program series in Kent County for the public, bench and bar to provide needed information for those involved in domestic relations family law cases, and he was  involved in educational programming for the public and lawyers through the State Bar, the Institute for Continuing Legal Education, the Michigan Judicial Institute and many other organizations.


In 2006, Ferrier was honored as a Champion of Justice by the State Bar of Michigan, one of the Bar's highest awards. At the time the Bar stated, “In his role as referee for the 17th Judicial Circuit Court, Jon T. Ferrier has helped shape the way family law is practiced in Michigan. ‘The law at its best serves as a foundation of principles that all men and women are treated equally,’ wrote a colleague in support of Ferrier’s nomination for the Champion of Justice Award. ‘Jon’s idealism and altruistic personality have made him a protector of the underdog.’ A dedicated public servant since 1981, Ferrier was instrumental in helping to revise entire sections of the Michigan Court Rules pertaining to family law. He frequently testified before Senate and House committees on pending legislation.”


According to the Grand Rapids Bar Association, which offers its deep sympathy to the family, visitation will take place on Jan. 13 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Memorial Alternatives, 2432 Fuller Ave NW, Grand Rapids. A memorial service will be held on Jan. 14 at  p.m. at the Grand Rapids Employees Independent Union Hall, 917 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids MI. Those attending the service are asked to wear a spot of red, Jon's favorite color, and bring a dish to pass.
 

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