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Victor A. Koivumaki III, 70, passed away Monday, May 2, 2016, at his home, surrounded by his family.
He leaves his wife of 40 years, Sylvia A. (Fuge) Hollister; two step-sons: James Hollister and his wife, Molly Molloy, of Durham, NH, and Matt Hollister and his wife, Nicole Arpiarian, of Sudbury; four grandchildren: Nate, Tess, Penelope and Tripp; a brother, Fred Koivumaki and his wife, Molly, of Chaska, MN, and Sue Warfield and her husband, Kris Schmidt, of Ely, MN; nephews Will, Graham, and Alex, and niece Erin, and their families.
Victor was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, son of Victor A. and Elaine W. (Johnson) Koivumaki II. He was a 1969 cum laude graduate of Harvard University and a Rockefeller Scholarship recipient at Harvard Divinity School, where he studied from 1968 to 1969.
For 30 years Victor worked as an administrator at Harvard University. After his retirement from Harvard, he then spent the next decade working in the family business, Hollister Insurance, in Clinton, MA.
An elected member of the Town of Lancaster Planning Board since 1995, on May 2 Victor received a Citizen Volunteer award by the town of Lancaster honoring his more than 20 years of dedicated service. In addition to his many town activities, he was a Director of Harvard College from 2011 to 2014, Chairman of the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission since 2005, held state, regional, and national leadership positions with the American Red Cross since 1982, was a recipient of the American Red Cross Clara Barton Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership, and was a member and past-president of the Nashua River Watershed Association. Victor championed many environmental causes, and loved his Saab cars, pets and, above all, his family.
Funeral services and burial were private. For those who wish, Victor’s family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Massachusetts Audubon Society, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773; The Listening Point Foundation, P.O. Box 180, Ely, MN 55731; the American Red Cross, 2025 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20006; the Nashua River Watershed Association, 592 Main St., Groton, MA 01450; or to an environmental or animal rescue cause of your choice.
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Kea van der Ziel
So sorry to hear of Vic's passing. I knew that he was ill. I remember him fondly through all our contacts while at EMHS. We spent many long hours studying Latin and Greek. We both worked for the Red Cross. I looked up his yearbook entry which ends with "does a finejob with anything". That sure describes Vic. I did not see as much of Vic when we were undergrads at Harvard/Radcliffe but it was always a joy to run into him both at school and later as alums at reunions. I will always remember his sense of humor. My condolences to his family. He will be sorely missed. RIP.
Kea
Gayle T. Thompson (Rodgers)
I remember Vic well. He had a great personality and a winning smile. Sorry to hear that he has passed at such a young age. Condolences to his family. He will be missed.
Bill Bridgman
Like others, I have wonderful memories of Vic from our high school days. He brought a positive energy to all he said and did, always leaving me with something provocative to think about. At our weekend Diplomacy board games at Mike Wilkinson's home, Vic was usually the center of international intrigue and military action. If I needed a little help figuring out something from the classroom, he was always ready to share his thinking. So many fond memories triggered by such a sad occasion. Condolences to all who hve been blessed by Vic's life.
Michael O. Wilkinson
On the day after our 25th reunion in July 1989, five of us, who often went to the Lincoln Del after football or Basketball games, met there again. Always lots of fun with Vic!
(L. to R.) Mike Anderson, Mike Wilkinson, Gary Berg, Vic Koivumaki and Norm Miller.
James T. (Jim) Scott
Michael, Which one is Vic, and who are the others? Jim Scott
Ginny Bayers (Herzog)
I'm also very saddened by Vic's passing. Although I did not know him personally, I was very aware that he was one of our outstanding classmates, academically, and with a winning smile. My condolences to his family and friends.
I've adjusted the photo so that the details are more visible. Also, I've added identification of the five in the photo. Please let me know if I made any errors.
Michael H. Anderson
If my fading memory of those old "Lincoln Del" days is correct, it looks like (left to right) Mike Anderson, Mike Wilkinson, John Berg and Norm Miller posing with a smiling Vic, who is second from right.
Candace (Candy) Carson (Wilkinson)
The fellow in the middle is Gary Berg.
Michael Ponsor
About a year ago, I was doing a reading in a small Massachusetts town near where Vic was living. Vic very generously came, and we went out for a beer afterwards with his wife and some friends of theirs. Vic looked tired from a bout of chemotherapy in Boston, but he had the same knowing smile and quick wit. We had not seen each other in some time, and my primary memory of him was from Mr. Matlon's excellent AP American History class. He was as intelligent and sympathetic as always, and I am saddened not to be sharing the world with him now. A good man.
Marilyn Snyder (Sweet)
So sad to learn of the death of Vic, as I just joined this site today. He was such a nice person. I remember having accelerated Latin with him. One summer when I walked home from class, Vic and his father gave me a ride home. It sounds like he did well and had a good life. I. belatedly. miss not communicating with you. God bless. Marilyn