Ronald Bieber

I can vividly remember running around Michael's home on Parkland about 60 years ago. He was great then and even greater as he grew. What a great guy who did such great things. You will always be remembered.

Richard H. Brown

I recall playing hockey on Shaker Lake and since Mike's house was on the lake his family room was our locker and warm up room.  Extremely intelligent, but are not all the Ratners, steadfast in devotion to his beliefs and principles and a caring person, especially for those not as fortuneate as him.  Rest I peace

Chuck Bailin

There was always a fire burning within him and he found the perfect calling for his ideals and spirit. He will certainly be missed.

Bonnie Anderson (Essick)

Just devastated by this way too early loss.......someone so wonderful....doing so much good.  Feel so fortunate to have known him for so many years...........my deepest sympathies to his family...

Sandy Amdur (Segal)

I think we can all be very proud to have known such an intelligent and moral man, who contributed so much good to society.  I read about his death in yesterday's Guardian here in London.  It described a thoroughly honourable man.  I offer my condolences to his family 

Stuart Hirsch

When I think of Michael Ratner,  I can not stop thinking of where I watched the John F. Kennedy inauguration.  I remember being in civics class with Mike during the period of the campaign that lead  up to the election of JFK.  Michael invited our whole class to his house for the inauguration, preceded by a trip to Boudin’s Deli to pick up sandwiches for the class.  I believe that Mr. Carman Parcelliti, excuse the spelling,  accompanied the group.   I should have realized that Michael was heading to a career in public advocacy .  His interest in his chosen field was quite apparent in 12th grade. I also remember hanging out with Joel Stein and Michael on many occasions.  At the fiftieth reunion I had a great time catching up with Mike.  He surly will be missed.

Sharon Ganim (Smiley Lusk)

My condolences to Michael's family. There must be so much pride in all that he accomplished. It makes it

even more bitter/sweet. Blessings to all and to all our classmates for this loss. May you rest in peace Michael.

Stan Sesser

Michael Ratner, a fierce fighter for the underprivileged, really made a difference in this world. As one of his admirers put it, "He sued some of the most powerful people in the world on behalf of the least powerful." His voice was always there when people were deprived of their rights. I regret so much that I never met him in high school and first connected with him only a year ago on this website. To my great surprise, he knew all about me and had even read my book on Southeast Asia. He was a star, a graduate who should make all of the alumni of Shaker Heights High School proud.

David Pelunis

Michael was my chemistry lab partner and I had many fond memories of him in the later Mr. Hendrickson's class.  I had the opportunity to catch up with him at our 50th Renunion that I will treasure.  He will truly be missed by the countless people whose lives he touched including my own.

My condolences to his family on his passing from this earth. 

Gerald Raab

The last time I saw Michael was at his presentation at the Ethical Society in New York.  He was advocating for the prisoners at Guantamo Bay.  The audience was full. He was an awsome New Yorker.