Captain Ray Kokkonen (retired) (Raimo Johannes) - It is with much regret and deep sorrow we announce the passing of our dearest eldest brother Ray from Trout Brook N.B.
Ray passed in the early evening of June 12, 2025 at Saint John’s Regional Hospital, N.B. He was born on September 21, 1941, in Lahti, Finland to his late parents Anna-Liisa (1992) and Timo Johannes (1990). He was married for over 50 years to his late wife Shirley (McNeil) (2022). He is survived by his sister Pirjo Spina (Eugene) and younger brother Peter Kokkonen (Mary) from Sault Ste. Marie.
Ray at 9 ½ years old and Pirjo at 3 months old with their parents crossed the Atlantic on the ship Homeland and landed at Halifax Harbour on June 24, 1951, on Juhannus Finland’s Midsummer Festival. Our younger brother was born 1 year later. This year would have marked 74 years.
At age 18, Ray decided that he would go out into the world, which he did and never looked back! He joined the military, got his education and the adventure started. Ray began his career in uniform in the 2310 Royal Canadian Army Corps in Sault Ste. Marie (1954) four years prior to joining the Canadian Army. He went to Ipperwash and Borden and achieved the rank of Cadet Major.
He was deeply involved in Biathlon since 1967 as an athlete coach official and administrator. He took part in nine Olympic Games. He served in every capacity as President and Board Chairman, also as senior technical official.
As a point of interest in his 38-year military career he was in Libya on desert warfare in 1969 when Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi seized power. As well he was deployed for the national October Crisis in 1970 guarding the Prime Minister and at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal heading his 35 man troop as VIP Security. He also served as a paratrooper. He was selected as an Olympic Torchbearer prior to the 2010 Games in Vancouver. He was also involved in Judo and is qualified as a 1st Dan (Shodan) Black Belt.
Prior to his passing he was Honorary President of #10 Legion Branch of Miramachi. He received many, many awards in his lifetime for his service. International Biathlon Union gold metal, Canadian Forces Sports and Sports Officials, Canada Hall of Fame, the Order of New Brunswick, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Queens Silver, Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Medals and many more, which we were so very proud of him.
He was a very kind and caring man and a mentor to many. We will miss his twinkling eyes and cute grin.
He has left behind his sister, brother, 8 nieces and nephews, many cousins and numerous friends in Canada, the U.S.A. and Finland.
He also leaves behind his animal friends, especially little wild kittens, which he tamed. We fed all the creatures on his property. At feeding time, they were always waiting for him, especially the birds!
Rest in peace, dear brother.
In your last hours, I prayed to God to please wrap his angel’s golden wings around you and keep you safe.
Thy will be done. Love Pirjo.
As per Ray’s wishes, there will be no funeral services. Cremation has taken place, and he will be laid to rest with his beloved Shirley. In memory of Ray, raise a glass or do a good deed for someone! A celebration of life was held on June 25th, 2025 at the Miramachi Legion (his favourite place).