(Trinidad Guardian) The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association extends deepest condolences and sympathy to the family of our former President Raymond Tim Kee following his passing on Saturday night at his home in Port-of-Spain.
Raymond, who celebrated his 71st birthday in July, was kindhearted, devoted and committed to serving his country the best way he could. His commitment, intellect, sense of humour but above all the simple and straightforward manner of relating to all of us will be a lesson always on modesty and humility.
In all situations—whether on the public stage or away from the cameras—Raymond’s passion for life and sport, more so football and his deep desire for a better world shone through. Raymond was known throughout local arenas not just for his inspirational eloquence but for his human warmth, who showed the skills of leadership and great determination.
His charisma was remarkable and there is no doubt but he was a formative influence on those around him. He always identified with those who were less fortunate, or those experiencing hardship, no matter where they came from—and he translated this into a forceful articulation of the need for those with power to do more. He was an efficient and competent corporate man. He was a true Warrior.
Despite their grief and pain, we hope that Raymond’s family and friends can see that his work has not ended with his passing—but that instead, that his spirit will live on in the daily acts of those whose lives he touched.
TTFA President William Wallace saluted the former President, saying “It is with great emotion and deep sadness that I learnt about his death early this morning. I salute the memory of an exceptional man who I knew as a voice of reason. Raymond was an excellent entrepreneur, friend and family man. His passing leaves a big void in our hearts. My heartfelt sympathy condolences to his entire family.”
Tim Kee was elected President of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association in November 2012 and served until November 2015. Under his reign, the T&T Men’s Senior Team qualified for two CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-finals in 2013 and 2015 and finished second in two Caribbean Cup Finals, also advancing to the Hexagonal Final Round of 2018 World Cup qualifying The Senior Women’s Team also advanced to within one point of 2015 World Cup qualification, becoming champions of the Caribbean in 2014. Mr Tim Kee served on the FIFA Futsal committee during his tenure as President of the TTFA.
In August 2015, Tim Kee stated, “Enlisting support for our national footballers is how I will be focusing my time, energy, and efforts, especially as we enter our Road To Russia Campaign. Now is the time to show our footballers and coaches the same level of commitment and teamwork they recently displayed on the field at the Gold Cup. Now is the time we must give our undivided and unequivocal support. Our footballers have earned that respect.”