Raymond Lee ‘Unti’ Laitinen, 64, of 1305 Co. Rd. 545 South, Skandia, and former Negaunee resident, entered eternal life following a lengthy illness Wednesday morning, May 31, 2017 at his home, surrounded by his family and under the care of U.P. Home Health and Hospice.
Raymond was born July 29, 1952 in Ishpeming to Heimo and Sarah (Wiita) Laitinen and graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of 1971. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves and was given an honorable discharge. He returned to Negaunee to marry his first wife, Debbie (Tammelin) Rowe and together they had two sons. In June, 1985 he remarried Patrice Denofre and they built their life together in Negaunee and were blessed with a daughter and son.
Ray worked numerous jobs throughout the years including work at the Foundry, underground mining at the Mather B and also worked several years for Cliffs Natural Resources at the Empire Mine. He retired from American Eagle Airlines at Sawyer in which he was the parts clerk for many years, supplying the mechanics with the parts needed to keep the ‘ birds’ up in the air. After retirement he worked part time at Bald Eagle Harley Davidson where he worked in the parts department, and would deliver bikes to new customers and bring existing customers their ‘babies’ home from winter storage. He loved to be on the open road with the wind in his hair! He had a love of motorcycles, street rods, snowmobiles, four-wheelers and pretty much anything that had a motor and would allow him to be free to take the curves and dips of his stomping grounds. When he was in a car or on a bike, he was free!
Raymond was a member of American Legion Post #349, Little Lake and was a former member of V.A. Romo Post #3165, Negaunee VFW. He had a very special bond with his son’s dog, Charlie, who was by his side until the very end. Anywhere Ray went, Charlie was right with him, and they enjoyed going on rides together. Ray was also a whiskey connoisseur, and loved the taste of George Dickel Whiskey. Many people can say they had the privilege of ‘tipping one back’ with him.
Surviving are his loving wife of almost 32 years, Patrice (Denofre) Laitinen; brother, Mel (Carol) Laitinen of Arizona; sons, Jerry L. (Samantha) Laitinen of Traverse City and Daniel H. (Kari Socia) Laitinen of Gwinn; daughter, Amanda R. (Barry Kunde) Laitinen of Skandia; 6 gradchildren: Cameron, Courtney, Brian, Willie Ray, Olivia, and soon to be born Avery. He loved his grandchildren very much, and has numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly as well. He was preceded in death by parents; and several aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends who were like his family.
Honoring Raymond’s wishes, A Celebration of Life will be held at later date.

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