Jonathan Forman
May 19, 1952 –
August 16, 2021
Jonathan Forman, 69, died on August 16 of complications from a cerebral haemorrhage. Forman was a professor of tax law in the University of Oklahoma’s College of Law for 36 years, helping train hundreds, if not thousands, of future attorneys. At the time of his death, he was the Kenneth E. McAfee Centennial Chair in Law.
Known for his eye-catching ties and vintage Hawaiian shirts, Forman always looked for ways to enliven tax laws and regulations. For years, he and his students directed the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance program at the Norman Public Library.
Once a long-haired anti-war protester with a penchant for the Grateful Dead, Forman grew up in Cleveland, Ohio before cutting his teeth on tax law in Washington, DC. They later made Norman, Oklahoma, their permanent and cherished home.
An avid traveler, Forman had visited all 50 states and more than 40 countries, including a five-week motorcycle tour of New Zealand. His lifelong national park pass was one of his most prized possessions, and his pass contains an abundance of postage stamps, mostly from trips abroad with his wife. Forman never let his age stop him from enjoying road trips and tent camping. Shortly before his death, he took his beloved Kawasaki 900 Vulcan on a hike to Mount Rushmore.
Forman was never the loudest person in the room, but was often the smartest, most thoughtful person. More importantly, he was an attentive listener who was generous with his time and attention. He is much regretted.
He is survived by his wife Lani Malysa; Sister Elaine Schwartz and her husband Jay Schwartz; two children, Carmen and Neil; his daughter-in-law Amy and granddaughter Margaret.
Due to COVID-19, there will be a celebration of life at a later date. Instead of flowers, donations can be made to his favorite charity, Food and Shelter of Norman, foodandshelterinc.org.
Published on August 19, 2021