W. RAY NIEMI

Palmer resident Waino Ray Niemi, 68, died at home Jan. 27, 2008, after an extended illness.

A memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. Feb. 2 at New Beginnings Ministry, Matanuska Christian School, 248 E. Elmwood in Palmer.

A lifelong Alaskan, Niemi was born Oct. 15, 1939, at the Railroad Hospital in Anchorage to Waino and Verla Niemi. His grandfather arrived in Alaska in 1915 and founded Niemi Hardware on Fifth Avenue. He grew up in Anchorage and graduated from Anchorage High School in 1957, then began working for the Bureau of Land Management. Niemi went to California for a few years in the early 1960s to attend college, but soon returned to Alaska to begin his career in drafting and

surveying.

Niemi worked for various engineers in Anchorage in the ’60s and ’70s and was certified as a professional land surveyor in 1976. He worked for the state Department of Natural Resources from 1978 until 1982, when he began working for the Mat-Su Borough as a platting officer.

Niemi met Christina Bolyan, also a lifelong Alaska resident, at the Bunn Drive-in in Anchorage in 1968 and they were married shortly thereafter. He shaved his beard on his wedding day and not again until his daughter’s wedding in 2002. He and his wife were blessed with three daughters, all born at Providence Hospital. They lived in Anchorage until 1973, when they moved to Lazy Mountain to raise their family in Palmer.

Niemi was an active member of the Elks Club before his illness and continued to enjoy Friday night dinners after he became disabled from a stroke in 1994. He was a man of deep religious convictions and remained in contact with members of the New Beginnings church when he was no longer able to attend.

Niemi was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was affectionately known as “Pops” within his family and enjoyed building model cars and listening to music. He was quick to lend a hand to anyone in need and gave selflessly to others.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Wyanne Plummer. He is survived by his wife, Christina Niemi; daughters and sons-in-law Nivol Niemi, Tierra and Brett Spencer, and Serenity and Mike Szewc; and grandchildren Seth, Scott, Spencer, Teena, Terrallyn and Travis.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mat-Su Special Olympics, 3200 Mt. View Drive, Anchorage, AK 99501.

Arrangements are with Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory.