State flags around Alaska have been ordered lowered on Wednesday for former Representative Niilo Koponen who died on December 3rd at the Fairbanks Pioneer Home at the age of 85 of natural causes.

Niilo Koponen was born in the Bronx in 1928 and grew up there working as an office machine repairman and also worked in the shipyard with his father before moving to Alaska. He drove to Alaska with his wife, Joan, and arrived in Fairbanks in 1952.

Niilo worked as an electrician’s helper for the F.E. Company, electrician for the University of Alaska, surveyor, independent contractor with his dozer, and homesteader. He was shop steward for the Electrical Workers’ union at the F.E. Company and helped organize the surveyors’ union and the NEA in Alaska. Earning a teaching degree at the University of Alaska, he taught 4th and 5th grades.

Niilo returned to school and earned a doctorate in education from Harvard in 1966. He returned to his home in Fairbanks and pursued his career in education as well as continued to be active in grassroots politics. He spent much of his time in Fairbanks organizing and serving on various volunteer and service organizations.

Niilo went to Juneau as a Representative in 1983 and would serve for ten years before his wife suffered a serious accident and he retired from the legislature. Niilo continued to work on human and civil rights until declining health forced him to slow his efforts.

Senator Begich released a statement concerning Niilo’s passing, in it the Senator said, “Niilo was a one-of-a-kind true Alaska pioneer whose contributions to our state will be long-lasting. After helping World War II refugees at a Finnish work camp, Niilo and his life partner and wife Joan, drove to Alaska in the winter of 1952. Like many Alaskans, he worked many jobs but perhaps the most important was teaching Fairbanks elementary school students. Niilo often served as the conscience of the Alaska Legislature during his nearly 10 years in Juneau, where he advocated for the most challenged Alaskans. Niilo was a fierce champion for his beloved community of Fairbanks and his entire state. His selfless public service to the Alaska that he loved will be sorely missed.”

Niilo Koponen is survived by his wife Joan and five children, as well as numerous grand and great-grandchildren.