Niilo’s memorial was Sun. Jan. 5, 2014 at Pioneer Park Civic Center in Fairbanks. About 250 people were in attendance.
You can download the slideshow of photos from Niilo’s life that preceded the program accompanied by a music selection from-or-representative of Niilo’s world.
You can also download the printed program.
Photos from the post-program memorial gathering
A DVD video of the memorial can be made available by contacting gary@chena.org
The program opened with the Fairbanks Peace Choir singing Dona Nobis Pacem and Finlandia/This is My Song
The program was MC’d by Brian Rogers, with the following speakers
Karjala Koponen, Niilo’s oldest son, on Niilo’s time in New York and coming up to Alaska and experiences with Niilo as his father
Karen Parr spoke on Niilo’s efforts to improve education
Dick Farris, on Niilo’s many grassroots activities, had no prepared written remarks, but later posted this.
Sam Cotten on Niilo’s Legislative work
Charley Basham spoke on Niilo’s Quaker activities
Heather Koponen, Niilo’s youngest daughter, read several poems of Niilo’s.
Brian Rogers then had a few words to say.
24 people then spoke from the floor about the impact that Niilo had on their lives.
We have also received some testimonials from others who weren’t able to speak.
Adjourning to the exhibit hall for viewing the walls of exhibits and light refreshments and, most importantly great conversations.
Some of the exhibits are available electronically below.
- Socialist Call, August 18, 1950 in which Niilo gets special attention in Philadelphia
- Chena Ridge Rebellion (or Koponen at the Ridge), a local version of the epic poem Horatius at the Bridge
- Niilo’s pages of the Alaska Election Pamphlets 1980-1992
- Living the good life Anchorage Daily News Nov. 30, 2003
- Old Chena Townsite interview with Niilo, by Pete Bowers, Bob Betts in 2003
- Niilo Koponen’s Obituary in the Fairbanks Daily News Miner
- Flags lowered to half staff in Niilo’s memory