December 22, 1925 – December 7, 2013
It is with hearts united in love, we announce the passing of our wonderful Alan H Finley, MD: pioneer in Emergency Pediatrics and Disaster Preparedness; Primary Care Physician to a quarter million children; Professor of Pediatrics at six medical schools in three countries on two continents, including inaugural Faculties at Nairobi and Calgary; a recipient of a Commendation from the President of the United States for “exceptional service to others in the finest humanitarian tradition” – but most of all, a great lover of family, friends and animals; music, nature and art; travel, adventure and song; Dr Seuss, Les Habs and telling the same joke.
Visionary, provocateur, philosopher king, Alan was driven by a compassionate heart, a tireless energy and a gentlemanly attitude; his joie de vivre, ribald humour and infinite grace touched all who crossed his path. His insatiable curiosity was guided by a never-ending quest to do the right thing, believe the best of people, and inspire those he loved. Husband to Shirley (nee Bondelid of Port Angeles, Washington); Dad to Brenda (Martin Scott), Donna, Brian (Donna Bennett); Grand Bug to Benjamin & Adam Finley, Rebecca, Jeffery and Mary Schidlowsky, and Caitlin Lindberg; stepfather to Craig (Kish nee Mikami) and Jay Lindberg; brother to Mary Riley (nee Finley); brother-in-law to Rae Finley (nee Hunter); and uncle, colleague and friend to countless others. He was pre-deceased by his first wife, mother of his children, Nan Verna Finley (nee Kennedy of Westmount, Montreal); his siblings (Shirley (Lloyd Paul), Hartland (Margaret nee Mackay) and Gault “Skip”); and many devoted four-legged friends.
Born to E. Marjorie Ross and Eric B. Finley of Westmount, Montreal, ‘Bug’ attended Roslyn School and Bishop’s College School, before enlisting in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1943. At age 18, he earned the rank of Lieutenant (Infantry) with the Canadian Black Watch and for a few months, was the youngest officer in the Canadian Army.
Alan studied Medicine at McGill University, with residencies at Harvard, McGill and Cincinnati. His medical, academic and administrative career spanned 45 years: Montreal Children’s Hospital (McGill); Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles (USC); Kenyatta National Hospital (University of Nairobi); Foothills Hospital (University of Calgary); Children’s Hospital of Cincinnati (University of Cincinnati); and Seattle Children’s Hospital (University of Washington).
From the heights of Kilimanjaro to a knee-deep portage in the woods of Quebec, Alan sang his way through life. He began as a boy soprano in 1939 with a heart-stopping rendition of Mabel (Pirates of Penzance), then graduated to a collection of highly censurable canoeing songs, only to emerge (unscathed) a lifelong tenor in a number of Anglican/Episcopalian Cathedral Choirs. In mid-career, he rediscovered an early passion and in 12 years painted 50-plus oils of his beloved animals and nature.
A celebration of Alan’s life will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, December 21, 2013 at Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Westben Arts Festival Theatre, P.O. Box 1413, Campbellford, Ontario, K0L 1L0 (705) 653-5508 (www.westben.ca) (co-founded by his son and daughter-in-law); or the Dean’s Discretionary Fund at Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria – Alan’s final spiritual home.
With all our love – Doxology. “Take any heart – take mine!”
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
19 Responses
Darling Brenda,
What a year it has been for you! Be brave!
Our family sends you and your family our
deep condolences on the loss of your beloved
father.
In reading the obituary -that I’m sure you had a hand
in writing, I felt that I had the opportunity to meet
this multi-talented and distinguished man. He
made so many contributions to the lives of others.
I see where you and your siblings got your drive
to make your mark and make it a better world.
You are a caring and devoted daughter and have
honoured your parents even in the most difficult
times of their lives. I have always admired the
love and loyalty you have for them.
Have courage, take heart, you have much life to
live, love to share. Our bonds of love exist beyond
our lives.
Please don’t forget how much we love you!
Barbara, Tony & Alexa
Alan is/was all those attributes mentioned above and more. As a fellow McGillian and Montrealer, Alan welcomed me to Children’s Hospital LA as if I was a long lost friend and family member. Alan not only shone but he sparkled in whatever he did. He was able to accomplish so much not only from his commitment and energy but also his personality. He made everything so much fun even when the task was challenging. Alan has left the world a better place. His imprint is upon the hearts of many. His transition only marks his physical absence!
Tamar and I recall Alan fondly from his years in Cincinnati. He was enthusiastic and very competent. May his memory be a blessing. We still enjoy the seat location in Cincinnati’s Music Hall that we “inherited” from the Finleys when then moved on to a new city.
Alan was my husband’s dearest friend, and classmate in McGill Medical Faculty, best man at our wedding and godfather to our daughter Wendy, as well as the best paediatrician ever.
A remarkable human being who gave so much of himself to others.
with many fond memories of 64 years of friendship.
condolences to the Finley family.
with love, Helen
Uncle Alan left some large footprints in his life, both professionally and personally. There will be a feeling of loss that with time will be replaced with the incredible memories of his work and family life – and we will never forget those. Hopefully those joyful memories will replace the pain in your hearts. Much love and big hugs to Shirley, Brenda, Donna and Brian.
Alan was a true inspiration and I cherish all the moments I had with both Alan and Shirley in the studio. I feel honoured to have had him in my life. All my love to Shirley, and his family.
He certainly was a very accomplished and great man. We are friends of Brian and Donna and now know from where Brian’s humour and great skills come.
My uncle Alan was a special man who always made time to see me when i visited Victoria. He was at my Dad’s bedside daily when Dad was dying and it was so heartwarming to see the two brothers together, sharing jokes and life stories.
I will miss my dear uncle and I send my love and hugs to Shirley, Brenda, Donna, Brian and the rest of the family. I am thinking of you all at this sad time.
RIP, dear Alan.
Love Heather
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Westben Arts Festival Theatre, I extend our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Dr. Finley’s family, friends and associates. We join with his family in celebrating Alan’s rich and love-filled life. He will always be remembered as a founding supporter of Westben and a joyful source of inspiration for us all.
– John Bennett, Chair, Westben Board of Directors
My deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to all Alan’s family. Having been his Medical Secretary at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, I can attest to his passion for helping to heal sick children as well as organizing an entire community to step UP to the challenge of effective planning for disaster recovery minimizing loss of life & property. As a recipient of his ‘Christlike’ way of helping others on a personal level, it’s been my privilege and great honor to not only call him ‘friend’, but ‘family’ as well. I pray God will grant you comforting peace in the loving memories of a dear husband, father & grandfather in this difficult time of loss. I salute a ‘Hero’ and a life well lived – RIP Alan