Raymond Gafner

Biographical information

RolesAdministrator
SexMale
Full nameRaymond•Gafner
Used nameRaymond•Gafner
Born17 February 1915 in Lausanne, Vaud (SUI)
Died26 November 2002 in Lausanne, Vaud (SUI)
NOC Switzerland

Biography

Raymond Gafner studied law at Lausanne University, earning a doctorate, but then worked as an insurance broker, before becoming a hospital administrator from 1954-80. From 1942-50 he was the Chief Scout of Lausanne eventually reaching the rank of lieutenant-colonel in the Swiss Army. He also was a writer, penning six novels and several plays.

Gafner played ice hockey as a youth, serving in goal, and later became an international referee, and President of the Swiss Ice Hockey League from 1945-50. Gafner also was President of the Swiss Olympic Committee from 1965-85. He was co-opted onto the IOC in 1969, serving until 1991 after which he was made an Honorary Member. Gafner served on several IOC Commissions, notably the Eligibility Commission, Working Group for Revision of the Olympic Charter, and he was instrumental in the development of the Olympic Museum.

Organization roles

Role Organization Tenure NOC As
President Swiss Olympic Association 1965—1985 SUI Raymond Gafner
Member International Olympic Committee 1969—1991 SUI Raymond Gafner
Honorary International Olympic Committee 1991—2002 SUI Raymond Gafner

Special Notes