Miles Ozmun Laven left us too soon on December 1, 2021 at the age of 26.
Miles was born June 2, 1995 in Edmonds, Washington to Bruce and Emily Laven. From a young age, Miles had a love of music. He began playing drums at age 6 and later went on to learn French horn, piano, and trumpet. A good athlete, Miles played soccer, basketball, and tennis, but loved baseball most. He also enjoyed skiing, camping and playing ping pong with friends and family.
He began his musical career playing with friends at Sherwood Elementary in Edmonds, and went on to perform with the band Avenue B and other jazz groups throughout the Seattle area. Miles attended Edmonds-Woodway High School where he was an active member of the school community, participating in both music and athletic programs, and serving as Student Body President. In 2010 as a high school freshman, Miles received the award for Outstanding Drummer at the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Festival in New York City where he later attended college at Manhattan School of Music. While in college his musical endeavors took him to venues on both east and west coasts performing a range of musical styles. Miles also loved arranging and composing. His compositions can be heard on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mileslavenmusic.
In lieu of flowers and other gifts, the Laven family asks that those who wish to honor Miles’ memory donate to the Miles Laven Memorial Jazz Scholarship. This award will be given to a graduating senior from Edmonds-Woodway High School who shares Miles’ passion for jazz and plans to attend a postsecondary institution to study music. For details on how to make a contribution please visit: https://ewhsmusic.com/financial-aid-application/miles-laven-memorial-scholarship/.
Miles is survived by his father Bruce Laven, sister Sarah Laven Jones, and brother-in-law Landon Laven Jones. Details regarding a celebration of life will be forthcoming. His quick wit, charming personality, sense of humor, adventurous spirit, and easygoing nature will be missed.
May he Rest In Peace and continue playing beautiful music
I remember Miles from the Jazz band when he competed with Meadowdale. My son Dillon Vanrensbug
knew him well and we will all miss him and remember him fondly. My prayers go out to the family .
Bruce, we are heartbroken at this news. We were honored to see Miles play at the jazz band concerts during the Art Festival every June. He often accompanied the MMS jazz band with our daughters, Elena, Clara, and Serena Schmidt.
You are in our thoughts. Deep peace, friend.
The Schmidt family.
Mark, Lori, Elena, Clara, and Serena.
I saw this note about your son. I’m so sorry. I have always regretted hearing him play that day all the kids played and you offered invitation to listen to him. He is the exact image of you and your wife, in both body and mind, I’m sure. Bearing your losses is incomprehensible and I wish there was something I could say that could help.
May you find comfort in your memories, your friends and in living through the music you play.
***Kareena, Rebekah & Daniel
Bruce, I cannot imagine your pain. God keep you.
Thinking of you and your family Bruce, so so sorry ✝️
He was 2 years ahead of me when I attended EWHS & the energy brought to pep band made playing in pep band during football games a much better time.
He was extremely talented as a musician & went out of his way to include everyone & would offer to help anyone he could.
I want to give my condolences to his family & let them know that he was looked up to & respected by his peers.
Thanks for sharing his SoundCloud, glad his music will live on forever.
I fondly remember Miles st Sherwood and in our neighborhood too! I still remember his wonderful talent show debut on drums. My condolences to the Laven family!
All our love Bruce, no words…
RIP Miles. Bruce, Sarah, and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bruce and family,
I am so saddened to hear of his
Passing. Sending prayers and love.
Laurie Lusier
May you take comfort in loving memory and the friends and family that surround you.” “May the pain you feel now be nothing compared to joy found within the memories of Miles” Our deepest condolences for your loss.”
Ed&Joni
May God grant you comfort, Bruce.
So sorry for your loss.
Bruce…
My sincere condolences. So sorry to learn of Miles’ passing. There are no words…
Take care, my friend.
James Jones
We truly feel for you! We are very much praying for you and your family! Please take care!
Bruce,
Max called me. So very, deeply sorry for your loss. We loved Miles and will miss him greatly.
-Dan
RIP Miles, so sorry for your loss Bruce and family. I can’t imagine your grief. Praying for you to find peace in this sad time.
Bruce and Sarah, I’m so very sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine. Miles was so talented and had such a great sense of humor. Let me know if there’s anything at all I can do to help ease the pain. You’re in my thoughts.
-Scott
Bruce and Sarah I am so very sorry for your unimaginable pain.
Bruce, Sarah, and family,
I am incredibly shocked and saddened by this news. I have many fond memories of Miles. From Jazz Camp to seeing Butch Miles kick the Basie Band to celebrating his graduation from EWHS, his spirit and smile were contagious.
I can’t imagine what your family is going through. So Sorry. God speed.
Patrick West
Bruce and Family – Like everyone here we are shocked and saddened. You are weighing heavy on our hearts. We didn’t know Miles but it sounds like he took after his father. Such a loss to the world.
Love from the Davies family
Wow…such unexpected and sad news. It wasn’t really all that long ago that he touched my life at Sherwood elementary…he was such a great band student. And he went so, so far beyond those early starting days. A real loss. Bruce, you are much in my thoughts and prayers.
Frank
This is such a loss. It leaves a hole in the hearts of all who knew Miles. My deepest condolences to the Laven family and friends.
Sincerely, Ed, Keva and Garrick McMorrow
I just learned about Miles’s passing yesterday. He was a such a sweet person and an incredible musician. I’ll cherish the music we made together always. Sending love to your family, Rest In Peace Miles.
Dear Bruce,
I just learned of Mile’s tragic passing today. My words cannot adequately express the sorrow I feel for you and Sarah. As our son Stephen’s middle school music teacher you nutured our fledgling’s interest in jazz which eventually became his career. May the precious memories of Miles and the caring support of your family, friends, and countless music students give you strength and peace. I am slowly losing my beloved husband Mike to illness and feel profound grief myself every day.
Heartfelt condolences and hugs from
Lynn Treseler