RAYMOND FRANCIS LAURIE's Obituary
One day after his 73th birthday, Raymond F. Laurie, of Miami, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, September 29, 2017. Born on September 28, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, he was the much-loved husband of Maribeth Kojkowski-Laurie who survives him. He was the proud step-father of Nicole Kojkowski Coman and her husband Drew and their children, Carson John and Olivia Jean, of Boston, MA, and Nicholas A. Kojkowski and his wife Mallory of Miami, FL. Preceded in death by his parents, Marie Johana (nee Bottiglieri) and Frank James Laurie II, he is also survived by his brother, Frank James Laurie III.
Ray served in the United States Army from 1968-1970. He then served in the Reserves, retiring in 2005 as a Chief Warrant Officer CW4. During his military career, Ray received many decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Service Ribbon, the Army Lapel Button, and the Expert Badge. After serving honorably in the Army and graduating from Loyola University and Georgia State University with a Masters Degree in Psychology, Ray began a career in public service as a probation officer in Fulton County, Georgia. He then became a probation officer for the state of Florida, retiring in 2013. In addition to his illustrious career in civil service, Ray was also a licensed private investigator and weapons instructor.
Ray will be remembered by his friends and family as a man who was kind to everyone and always willing to help.
The family respectfully asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sylvester Development Office, P.O. (M-867), Miami, FL 33101. Please include 'Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund' on the memo line if the contribution is made by check.
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. Ralph Waldo Emerson
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in memory of Raymond F. Laurie
Checks should be made payable to Sylvester and mailed to Sylvester Development Office, P.O. Box 016960 (M-867), Miami, FL 33101.
Please inform donors to incorporate fund description in memo line on checks (Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund)
Online: https://advancement.miami.edu/netcommunity/sslpage.aspx?pid=1627&fid=TXxKH5TrMls%3d&fdesc=%2fiKOoyVVa3jhnCCPKTeVpTctIfcoJFaiqjpuQHf9Hrg%3d
(This link is for Pancreatic Research Fund)
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