Raymond G. McKee IV

Raymond G. McKee IV, 27, died suddenly Dec. 10, 2012, in Portland, Ore.

Raymond was born in Palmer Dec. 6, 1985. He lived most of his life in Alaska. He moved to Portland in 2010, then returned to Alaska for a brief visit this year before returning to Portland where he was the happiest and was working on building a new future for himself.

Raymond’s short life was filled with many hard struggles and many great accomplishments. When Raymond was only 5 years old and in kindergarten at the time, he was awarded a bronze life saving Medal of Honor by the Big Lake Fire Department and Houston Ambulance in a ceremony before his school at Big Lake Elementary for his bravery in saving the lives of two of his younger siblings and his mother due to severe carbon monoxide poisoning.

Raymond attended UAA in 2007 and received certificates of training and instruction in computer technology. He studied for and received many other certificates of accreditation in electrical wiring, construction, well drilling and several other subjects. He was always eager for as much learning as he could absorb.

Raymond was a very compassionate and tender person. It wasn’t beyond him to give someone the last penny in his pocket if they needed it or the shirt off of his own back, even if it meant he would go cold without one. He was an intercessor and a peacemaker of great heart. He always cared about others and placed their needs before his own. He was always ready to give a quick hug of encouragement or comfort, was slow to anger and quick to love, a great friend, a great son and a great brother.

Surviving are his mother, Carrie McKee; brothers, Paul Belair and Arthur McKee; sisters, Raylene Murr, Dusti Savok and Jana McKee; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews in upstate New York, Virginia, Utah and Alaska; and his two best friends who were more like brothers, Will and Jeff; friend and sister, Rachel Stanish; and many friends who cared for and loved him very much.

“Raymond made a huge impact in many lives with the love that he so unselfishly shared and the friendship that he never hesitated to extend to others,” his family wrote. “He shared a close relationship with Jesus our Lord and Savior and we know that he is with him now, in his arms and at peace. Raymond will be greatly missed and never forgotten. May we all be able to follow his example of kindness and compassion to each other to carry on his legacy.”

A celebration of life in Raymond’s honor is at 3 p.m., Jan. 26 at the Wasilla Assembly of God Church, 125 West Riley Ave., Wasilla.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to help defray funeral costs, at bit.ly/11EQdBM.