WILLIAM GEORGE FINLEY

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WILLIAM GEORGE FINLEY June 1907 - October 2004 The family is saddened to announce the death of Bill Finley on October 8, 2004, at the age of 97. Bill was born in London, ON on June 13, 1907, and moved to Winnipeg with his family at the age of two years. He remained a resident of Winnipeg until his death. Bill was married to Mabel Douglas on June 27, 1931, and their only daughter Joan was born October 9, 1935. Bill and Mabel enjoyed 64 years of happy marriage until Mabels death in November of 1995. He started employment at the Manitoba Telephone System in 1929, and retired from "the phones" in June of 1972. Bill formed many lifelong friends at MTS where he retired as a cable foreman. He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers, and after retirement, Bill served as a Pioneer volunteer for many years until advancing age and having to give up his beloved car forced him to "retire" from that activity. Bill was a good neighbour and friend while he and Mable lived at 86 Cobourg. He enjoyed working in his yard and in his sanctuary, the garage. He was always ready to help with any job around the house or yard, and was "Mr. Fixit" to his family and neighbours. He and Mable moved to the Lions Manor in February, 1995, and Bill continued residence there until his death. He was a friend to all at the "Manor" and will be missed by the residents and staff of that facility. In a survey conducted at the "Manor", Bill described his life as "very satisfying, and that he would like to be remembered as friendly". Of that we are certain! Bill also enjoyed his time spent on Fridays at the Lions Place Adult Club, an activity in which he participated until the time of his death. Bill and Mabel enjoyed life and looked forward to their annual motor trips to Newcastle, ON to visit Bills relatives until long trips were no longer an option. He enjoyed at various times hunting, fishing, golfing, and spending time at the lake with lifelong friends, Bill and Jennie Cameron. Bill is survived by his loving daughter Joan; son-in-law Ernie Roberts; grandchildren, Ken Roberts (Inga) of St. Albert, AB, Pat Puro (Ray) of Winnipeg; and great-grandchildren, Jazlyn, Troy and Alexa of St. Albert. Bill had a great love for his family and enjoyed seeing his grandchildren grow and start their own households. Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mabel, mother Florence; father William George Sr.; sister Edith and brother-in-law Roy Fryer; brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Marion Howe; sister-in-law Evelyn Boal (and Bills best friend Reg Boal) in-laws, Ken and Helen Douglas, Gord and Pat Douglas and Henry Kuhn. Also surviving Bill are his sister Lillian Kuhn, sister-in-law Myrtle Douglas, and many nieces, nephews and their children. Bill Finley had a long and productive life and was loved and respected by all who knew him, and he will be missed. Many thanks to the caring staff, nurses and home care workers at the Lions Manor and the doctors and nurses on GA4 at the Health Sciences Centre. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made in Bills memory to the Lions Manor Recreation Department, 320 Sherbrook St., R3B 2W6, or to a charity of your choice. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 13 at 1:30 p.m. at Thomson Funeral Home, 669 Broadway, with interment to take place at Brookside Cemetery. THOMSON Funeral Home - 669 Broadway - 925-1120

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 12, 2004