Longtime Fire Chief Raymond Aiken Passes Away

ENFIELD, CT - Raymond H. Aiken, who spent 42 years as a member of the Shaker Pines Fire Department, including 31 years as chief, passed away Friday. He was 85.

An Army National Guard veteran who founded several businesses in Enfield, Aiken joined the fire department at his beloved Shaker Pines Lake in 1958. In 1969, he was promoted to chief, and served in that role until retiring in 2000.

Following his retirement, he was elected to the Shaker Pines Fire commission, becoming president in 2002 and remaining so until his passing. He was also active in numerous community and civic organizations.

On the department's Facebook page, current Chief Charlie Macsata wrote, "My heart goes out to Ray’s family. I am sorry for your loss. He was a man who served the Shaker Pines community for 58 years and never looked for anything in return. He would always greet you with a smile, handshake and a joke. In my short time here at SPFD, I found myself turning to Ray for his wisdom and guidance. You will be missed my friend. Rest in Peace."

Aiken was predeceased by his first wife, Harriett, in 1997. He is survived by his second wife, Linda; four children; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, April 6 at 11 a.m. at the Hazardville United Methodist Church, with honors accorded by the Shaker Pines Fire Department. Buriel will follow in Hazardville Cemetery.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, April 5 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Rd.

Read the complete obituary at www.leetestevens.com.