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.”
Former TTFA General Secretary Sheldon Phillips wrote,
It was only a week ago we spoke. You brought me back home to join you in an extraordinary journey to serve football in the country of my birth. Your mentorship and the lessons you shared will stay with me for the rest of my life. I am so grateful we made peace. But what I will miss most of all are our conversations. Rest well my friend, my brother.
Former World Cup goalkeeper Shaka Hislop wrote,
In an immediate reaction to the news, former Trinidad and Tobago English Premiership goalkeeper Shaka Hislop stated, “I got to know Raymond Tim Kee during his time as the TTFA president. Though our paths were linked given his earlier time in football administration it was during his time as the TTFA president that I came to know the administrator, the man. Inheriting a thankless task he set about restoring dignity to the position. I found Raymond to be honest, forthright and honorable in every way, in each of our interactions.It is with a heavy heart I write this. I will always hold Raymond up as an example, remembering him as the person he proved he was to me.”
The PNM said in a statement,
A statement issued by the PNM's Public Relations Officer, Laurel Lezama- Lee Sing said Tim Kee served as an active and loyal member of the party for decades, adding that in 2010, he was elected as the party’s treasurer.
In 2013, he was appointed as an alderman and as the mayor of the Capital City.
"Tim Kee distinguished himself in his professional career within the insurance
industry, winning many awards and accolades during his tenure," the statement added.
The T&T Super League has also extended its condolences to Tim Kee's family.
The Futsal Association of T&T paid tribute to the former T&T Football Association (TTFA) president, noting that it was under his tenure that the FATT was constitutionally ratified as a full-body member of the TTFA.
Tim Kee was a long-standing sport administrator in football who served as the President of the TTFA from 2011 to 2015.
With Tim Kee's death it was the second time this year that the local football community was plunged into mourning.
On January 1 (New Year’s Day), Oliver Camps, under whom Tim Kee served as a vice-president, died at the St Clair Medical Centre.
Port-of-Spain Mayor Joel Martinez said he was shocked by the news of his predecessor's passing as he was not aware that Tim Kee was illness.
"Up to yesterday (Saturday) I wrote his name on a document to invite him to the swearing in of the new aldermen and councillors.
"His death is really a shocker to me," Martinez added.