Westbrook – Ivan Tether, Jr., 76, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2025, after courageously fighting cancer for over a year.
He was born in 1949, on the East Coast, to his parents, Ivan Sr. and Helen Tether. As a child, Ivan attended a one-room schoolhouse and delighted friends and family throughout his life with hilarious stories about those early school days. He grew up swimming in the Delaware River and developed a lifelong love of nature and adventure.
Ivan was a gentleman, a people person, and a calm, steady presence. These qualities enriched his relationships with family and friends, guided his career as an environmental attorney, and inspired his tireless work with nonprofit organizations. His strong faith in God and Jesus was central to his life. Active in his church community, Ivan sang in the choir—where he met the love of his life, Jana.
A graduate of Union and Georgetown, Ivan began his career with the EPA before transitioning into private practice, where his intelligence, integrity, and compassion benefited countless clients. He served as the L.A. Environmental Chair of CIPA and as CIPA’s representative to the California Small Business Alliance, among other professional committees.
Beyond his career, Ivan gave generously of his time and heart. He served on the Board of Directors for HOPE in Venice, California, and My Friend’s Place, a drop-in center for youth without homes in Hollywood. At My Friend’s Place, he co-led weekly improv workshops and coordinated volunteers and food donations from his church for annual holiday celebrations. He also volunteered with the MBU in the Santa Monica Mountains, where he was often found mountain biking and hiking the trails he loved so much.
A word enthusiast and lifelong learner, Ivan spoke English, fluent French (with an impressive French accent!), and conversational Spanish. He had a passion for travel, music and singing, and was an avid storyteller who brought warmth, humor, and perspective to every conversation.
Above all, Ivan was a loving, supportive, and encouraging husband. In Jana’s words, “He was perfect in every way.”
Ivan is survived by his wife, Jana; as well as his brothers-in-law, niece, nephew, cousins, and many cherished friends and extended family. His presence was a joy to all who knew him. He saw the best in everyone, lived life with purpose and compassion, and shared his light generously.
Earth’s loss is Heaven’s gain. Matthew 25:21: “His lord replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’”
A Celebration of Life will be held in January 2026. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Ivan’s memory to My Friend’s Place, myfriendsplace.org, a nonprofit close to his heart.
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I met Ivan through Brentwood Pres. He was a lovely soul inside and out. He surprised me at my 40th birthday party. He sang at church, we sang together at the VA for Christmas. He was a giver of his time and compassion. He was a man of grace and integrity, a rare breed. I have one of my most precious coats that no longer fit me, to a coat drive for my friends place. He will forever hold a place in my heart. I loved Ivan. Thank you for all you have the world. Monica Davis
Sending love!
Sue
My condolences to you Jana. Big hug.
Tam
I will always remember Ivan as a sincere and gentle man. He knew what love was and lived his life with that warmth. He was always willing to give his time and energy to serve others. He knew his Bible — he wore it on his heart in every way. Whether it was going to Mexico to build houses, or leading activities at My Friend’s place, Ivan knew how to share love.
As lawyers, it was many a week that Ivan and I would meet for lunch when we were both working in downtown Los Angeles. I came to know the steps in front of his office extremely well — far too often our lunches were not quite long enough and we needed more time to talk before we went back to work. He would tell me about pollution caused by dry cleaners, and I would tell him about the California Environmental Quality Act. I remember Ivan speaking quite fondly of one of his law partners, and how much he was impressed by the fact that his colleague kept the sabbath — strictly. If it was sundown on Friday, his partner was not working. What impressed me about Ivan — was that he was impressed by his colleague and how much we can learn from one another — especially those from another faith tradition. Where some might see difference, Ivan saw people.
When he met Jana, I knew he was smitten from the start. As well he should be — she mirrored his kindness, and warmth. And even encouraged him to lean into contemplative spiritual practices. They were a pair, and I will always remember both of them with great fondness. He was a dear friend.