Raymond K. Cote was born May 15, 1924 to Raymond and Marion Cote in Woonsocket, Providence, Rhode Island. He was an avid flier and began his flying career at six years old in New England, and spent the following forty-six years as a professional pilot, a fighter pilot, a flight instructor, and an engineering test pilot. He served in World War II, the Korean War, and was an advisor for the Vietnam War. He was also chosen as the only pilot to fly the replica of the Spirit of St. Louis prior to the airplane being sent to the San Diego Aerospace Museum. Additionally, he achieved national recognition by winning thirteen races in Formula-One midget air race competitions at the National Air Races in Reno, Nevada. He worked at Teledyne Ryan Aeronautical in San Diego as Manager of Flight Operations until 1990. On September 8, 1951, he married Gladys M. Anderson.