The following is an announcement from the WCO.
Brussels, 7 November 2011
It is with great sadness that Kunio Mikuriya, Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO), learned of the death on Sunday, 6 November 2011 of John Raven.
On behalf of the international Customs community and the staff of the WCO Secretariat, Mr. Mikuriya expresses his sincere condolences to Mr. Raven’s family on their bereavement.
John Raven was involved in international trade issues for 60 plus years having held many senior and leading executive positions during this time.
His relationship with the WCO stretched over 37 years and he was often seen at various WCO events and meetings airing his views on a range of topical issues that impacted the global Customs, trade and business communities.
John Raven’s desire to strengthen the Customs-Business Partnership through honest and effective engagement was much appreciated by the Secretary General.
His great insight, his ability to understand complex issues, and the respect he generated for his knowledge, his determination, his focused approach, and his great sense of humour was recognized by the Council of the WCO during its June 2010 annual sessions.
May he rest in peace.
On behalf of its members, the IFCBA Secretariat expresses its sincere condolences to Mr. Raven’s family.