FINLEY, Hartland Ross
1921 – 2009
Hart died peacefully surrounded by his loving family in hospice, Victoria, BC on January 22, 2009. He was born in Montreal on August 19, 1921.
Predeceased by his parents Eric Barrett Finley and Eugenie Marjorie Ross, sister Shirley Paul and brother Eric Gault Finley.
Hart will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of 58 years, Margaret Mackay, and his devoted children Heather (Rob Burpee), Sandra and Gordon (Debbie Childs). Remembering their dear Grampie are his seven grandchildren – Danica, Bryony, Somer, Brad, Melanie, Cody and Sarah. He is also survived by his brother Alan Finley (Shirley) of Victoria, his sister Mary Riley (George) of Ottawa and many extended family members.
Hart and Marg spent their married life in Ottawa where they happily raised their children. Hart’s distinguished career in aviation was followed by many rewarding years of volunteer work with Scouts, Habitat for Humanity and the Parkinson’s Society. He and Marg felt blessed to have had many memorable trips to faraway places. They moved to Victoria in 2005 to be near their daughters, but kept their many eastern friends close to their hearts.
Hart was a remarkable gentleman who lived his entire life with grace and dignity, humour and fairness. He was loved and admired by all who knew him.
The family thanks Cory and Laura and the staff of Victoria Hospice for their heartfelt care.
A private memorial service will be held at Somerset House in Victoria on February 21st at 2 p.m. followed by an open celebration at 3 p.m.
In Hart’s memory, the family would appreciate donations to Victoria Hospice, 1510 Fort St, Victoria V8S 5J2 or online at victoriahospice.org
Hart was fond of saying “you can’t fly on one wing” so at your next happy hour, please raise your glass to a truly lovely soul.
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Laura Campbell
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Gerald & Linda Ross We were shocked and saddened at the news of Hartland’s passing and wish to send our condolences to the Family.
Being on the East Coast, we are sorry that we will be unable to attend the service but our thoughts are with you.
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Jonathan Paul My Condolescenses are passed on from an extended family member, Jonathan Paul. Shirley was my grandmother and I miss her terribly. I hope we can remain in contact and my sympathies are passed on.
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Belle Priest I wanted to send my condolences to the family for your loss. In the furure Jehovah god is going to reunite families in a paradise earth under his rule.(Acts 24:15) Again I am sorry for your loss.
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Linda Finley Marg, Heather, Sandra and Gordon :
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Hart was an amazing uncle – I will remember him fondly.
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Ross Paul Dear Marg, Heather, Sandra and Gordon
Please accept my deepest sympathies on Hart’s passing. I have many wonderful memories of Ile Perrot and Ottawa with the (then) much younger family and listening to Hart’s wonderful stories of his war and football experiences.
Jane and I have recently moved to Vancouver and would have liked to attend the memorial service in February but will unfortunately be out of the country at that time.
I have written to Heather separately and will send a donation in my Uncle Hart’s name to Victoria Hospice. I was delighted to know from the obituary that there are now seven members of the next generation of H.R. FInleys.
Love to all and a dedicated Happy Hour toast to my first uncle!
And special love to Alan and Mary on the loss of their brother.
Ross
(John 11:23-25) . . .Jesus said to her: “Your brother will rise.” Martha said to him: “I know he will rise in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her: “I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life…
When I look back over my employment history, caring for Hartland was the only time I ALWAYS looked forward to going to work. What a privilege to have known him. A perfect gentleman.
I miss him.