HS Home 5.6.2001 - The file on Yrjö Viitasaari

Yrjö Johannes Viitasaari was born on June 6th, 1941 in Lapua.

He started his military career as an ensign in the coastal artillery, and he will head into the reserves as a Major-General.

Has served 27 years in intelligence, with postings as an assistant military attaché in Moscow (1980-83), as Chief of the Signals Test Facility from 1985-88, as Head of the Intelligence Department from 1989-90, and since 1990 as Head of the Operations Staff Intelligence Division.

Known by his subordinates as "The Chief", and by some old army friends as "Poison George". The origins of the nickname are unknown.

He lives in Espoo, has a summer cottage on the island of Melkki, off the coast of Helsinki. The island is Finnish Defence Force property.

He is married, and his wife Lisa is a laboratory technician.

Plays golf, with a none-too-inspiring handicap of 22, which implies he does not spend his every waking moment on the course. Other hobbies include shooting, numismatics, stamp collecting, and playing the piano.

He does not plan to publish a volume of memoirs after his retirement.

Helsingin Sanomat / First published in print 3.6.2001