In Memory of Jon Lasser
November 10, 1975 – September 23, 2025
It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our friend and colleague, Jon Lasser, on Tuesday, September 23.
He was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2019, and most recently was hospitalized due to breathing difficulties, subsequently moving to home hospice and then inpatient hospice. He leaves behind his wife Laura and his two children, Judah and Hannah.
Jon went to the six-week workshop in 2016, and quickly became a deeply interconnected part of the organization and our greater writing community. He hosted parties at his home, served on the development committee, and was an insightful and welcome voice on the board.
Jon’s stories have appeared in Lightspeed, Analog, Interzone, Galaxy’s Edge, and many others. Patrick Hurley, Betsy Aoki, and K.G. Anderson have put together a collection of short stories, tentatively titled “Unfinished Conversations,” and are currently talking with publishers. More information on this project will be forthcoming. If you’d like to learn more about this project, you can contact Betsy at .
From Emma Osborne, Class of 2016:
It’s heartbreaking to know that Jon Lasser, a well-loved member of our Clarion West class, has passed. We all bonded so quickly after we arrived that even after the first weekend in the house in Seattle, I knew that we were all family. Jon extended that welcome by hosting the class at his family home on a number of occasions, and introducing us to his wife, Laura, and his wonderful children, Judah and Hannah, who I can hardly believe are teenagers now.
Jon wrote a lot of dark works, challenging works. He dug into his heart to show us his scars, and was there for us when we did the same. He gave insightful critique, and he helped to make our stories stronger. He bought prop swords for the house so we could sword fight on the lawn, and kept the downstairs fridge well-stocked with craft beers. He got the arsenic tattoo, like many of us did, and lived true to what it represents – a healing poison. A purging of what hurts us and what heals.
Jon and his work will live on in our hearts. Goodbye, my friend.
All are invited to attend an informal memorial service for Jon on Saturday, September 27 from 1-5 p.m.
The service will be held at Reuben’s Brews – The Canning Line at 800 NW 46th Street (on the corner of 8th and 46th). The facility and restrooms are ADA compliant.
From his brother, Josh, “If you’re able to stop by, share a memory, have a bite to eat, and toast the departed we would welcome you with open arms… and kegs.”
If you’d like to share a Clarion West story, to be compiled, please email Marnee at .
If you’d like to comment directly for Jon’s family, you can visit his CaringBridge page.