LeFEVRE--David Eaton. David Eaton LeFevre, International Sports Business Attorney, died peacefully on January 8, 2023 after a long illness. He was 78. David's accomplishments include arranging financing for the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Ice Palace arena. David was later named Governor of the Lightning. David was the son of Mary Eaton LeFevre and Fay A. LeFevre, MD. He is survived by his older brother Robert LeFevre, MD, and nephews William and David LeFevre. David grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. His grandfather, the industrialist and peace advocate Cyrus Eaton was a great inspiration to David, fostering principles of listening, effective negotiations, and peace. David attended Yale University, and then entered the Peace Corps for two years in Uruguay. David accompanied Cyrus Eaton on several trips to Cuba, serving as interpreter during meetings with Fidel Castro. He received a law degree from University of Michigan, with emphasis on International Law. David then joined the New York law firm Reid & Priest, where he was a partner. David was known as a brilliant man, full of energy, with a unique ability to navigate conflicting human interests to get complex projects done. He had a sharp sense of humor and wit which brought levity to many situations and joy to those who knew him. His lifelong love of baseball led to ownership in the Houston Astros and Cleveland Indians. He was a respected advisor within the New York baseball community. An avid sportsman, he was a great golfer, tennis player, and runner. He was a thoughtful, kind, intelligent human being. A celebration of life will be held in the spring at The Yale Club of New York City. For his full obituary and details: legacy.com.

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Published by New York Times on Jan. 22, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for DAVID LeFEVRE

18 Entries

Linda McClure Colella

June 25, 2023

I have very fond memories of Dave.
I worked with him in the late 1970´s and early 80´s at the law firm of Reid & Priest. I was very saddened to learn about his death. He was a lovely and charismatic man. A brilliant attorney and an all around nice guy. My sincere condolences to his family.

John Hernandez

June 11, 2023

I worked with Dave at Brush Instruments for one summer in the mid-sixties while he still going to school. I was in Accounting and going to classes at night for my degree. He impressed me with his no nonsense attitude about everything he did at work. I have often wondered what happened to my summer amigo. I am saddened by his death and very sorry for his family. In the short time I worked with him, I felt like a big brother. Vaya con dios,amigo!

Brian mckenna

May 21, 2023

David was a friend, mentor and college.
I was the Commissioner of the ECHL for 16 years.
He was an influential member of our Executive Committee, our Strategic Planning Committee and our Board of Governors for approximately a decade. During that time he played a role in transforming our League into the national presence it is today. His vision led the process.
Thank you David.

Rose Nichols

January 26, 2023

RIP Dave

And I´ll have fond memories of introducing you to the Island Beach ferry here in Greenwich and your joy in buying a hot dog and us laughing all the back to the boat chased by one relentless seagull.

Rose Nichols

Jim Brumm

January 24, 2023

Dave was a colleague at Reid & Priest and a good friend for many years after that. He introduced my son to Major League Baseball when he was nine years old and I know was a major influence in my son going to work as a lawyer at MLB years later. Dave was wonderful and true friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

Bill Baker

January 22, 2023

I was fortunate enough to work with Dave during all his time at Reid & Priest. He was a fine lawyer and good friend. I hope to get a notification of his Yale Club memorial service.
Bill Baker

David Mechanik

January 22, 2023

David was a super bright and funny guy. It was a pleasure working with him on the Ice Palace deal.

John Hannan

January 19, 2023

I feel fortunate to be able to say he's been a friend from 7th grade to the present.
Dave and I spoke at reunions of Western Reserve Academy and Hawken school. I have great memories of those chats. We were classmates for 6 years. We had summer vacations together in Shaker Heights. Dave and I used to go on double dates together when at WRA. Dave and I played golf together at our 50th WRA reunion. We had a wonderful time.

I am greatly saddened by the loss of Dave. Dave will be missed. Sending prayers to his brother, Bob and family.

Lauren R. Pacini, Hawken '59

January 19, 2023

Rest in eternal peace, my friend.

Mary G. LeFevre

January 18, 2023

"If there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went". Will Rogers

Cheryll Pricher

January 17, 2023

I worked with David when we started the Tampa Bay Lightning team. There were only 5 of us in the office there when he came in. He was a great mentor, and believed in me that sky rocketed my sports career for the next 20 years. I will never forget one thing he told me-
"Sink or Swim". I swam as hard as I could for years, and it because of those 3 words, I would not be beaten. He was so proud of what he accomplished with the Lighting...he loved that team. Thank you David for help giving me a better life! I have thought of you often when I am on the golf course. My sincere condolence's to his family.

Joan Garbow

January 17, 2023

It was an honor to be David´s care manager the past 2 ½ years. He was a kind, gentle, thoughtful and intelligent man with so many interesting pursuits and achievements. I had to learn quickly about sports and will credit him for turning me into a new sports enthusiast. He loved to talk and then would pause and ask about me, with genuine interest. He could be a mystery and elusive, but I think that was intentional. He was beloved by many. May his memory be a blessing.

Stephen S. Grimme

January 17, 2023

Dave was a force of nature and inspiration to all who knew him. Always slow to respond to emails and texts, it was always worth the wait as his responses were always long, thoughtful, and insightful. It was a great honor to have known him...RIP Dave, condolences to the family...

Dug Chisholm

January 16, 2023

Dave's illness, and now his death, has been a stark reminder to me of our impending mortality. He did a physical workout almost daily throughout his life, was careful about diet and drinking, was most definitely involved in multiple engaging and challenging projects, and usually used his own feet for transportation in NYC. Yet, he's gone, victim of an illness that we still ultimately cannot do much to prevent or treat. I feel fortunate to be able to say he's been a friend from our first week of college to the present.

Peter Brown

January 16, 2023

David was a dear friend who was brilliant, generous, kind, and amusing. He will be missed.

Leila Stewart

January 16, 2023

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Dave. He will be missed dearly. Sending thoughts and prayers to his brother, Bob and family.

Heather McGhie

January 15, 2023

David and I shared many chocolate chip cookies, brownies and walks. He was a true gentleman. I will always cherish the time I spent with him. I'm so sorry for your loss Bob. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Heather McGhie

Kenny Hand

January 15, 2023

I'm so glad I got to know Dave during the time I was covering the Astros for the Houston Post. Dave was so intelligent and so accomplished, yet so down to earth. Just a great person that we have lost. I always enjoyed our conversations.

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