Raymond Gafner

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.