Reino R. "Ray" Niemi

Reino "Ray" R. Niemi, Died May 27, 2003, in Sun City, AZ. - Reino Ray Niemi was born January 25, 1914 in Port Arthur, Ontario, Canada. He came to the United States at the age of 4, and resided in Warren, Ohio. He was graduated from Warren G. Harding High School where he was a member of the track team and the marching band. In 1933, he served in the Civilian Conservation Corps. In 1938-1939, he was a patrolman with the Ohio State Highway Patrol. In 1941, he joined the Warren City Fire Department. He was given a leave of absence in 1943-1945 to serve in the U. S. Navy as a Specialist (Firefighter) during World War II. Returning to the Warren City Fire Department, he organized and became the head of the Arson Bureau. He attended and taught Arson Seminars at Ohio State University, Purdue University, University of Michigan, Cincinnati, and Bowling Green University. He held a faculty appointment at Cuyahoga Community College, teaching the Fire Investigation course for two years. For 25 years, he taught basic firefighting to local volunteer fire departments for the Ohio Trade and Industrial Division. In 1973, he became the Coordinator for Fire Training in the state mandated 200-hour course for all recruit firefighter in Ohio, through Kent State University. He retired in 1981 with the rank of Assistant Chief. In 1985, he moved to Sun City, Arizona. He enjoyed many years of golf and travelled extensively. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Dr. Esther Pesonen Niemi, his son Dr. Gunnar W. Niemi (wife Betty, RN) his son Dr. Rayno D. Niemi (wife Marjorie, RN, M.Sc.) his granddaughter Marilee J. Niemi (J.D., M.Sc.) his grandson Dr. Matthew G. Niemi (USAF) (wife Dr. Sacha). He was preceded in death by his sister, Bertha Niemi Collins. He was a member of Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church, Sun City. Burial is in Oakwood Cemetery, Warren, Ohio.