William Martin Finlay (Bill) passed away peacefully at the Beckley Farm Lodge on March 21, 2018 with family at his side.
Bill was born on May 9, 1932 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the 5th of 6 children. In 1951, Bill followed the love of his life, Donna Rogers, to Victoria when her family relocated to Victoria from Winnipeg. They were married in 1952. Soon afterwards, they began their family, 5 kids in 6 years. Together, they instilled in their children a love of family, sports and the outdoors. They were very active in their children’s and their grandchildren’s athletic pursuits both through coaching and cheering. They also enjoyed their own pursuits such as curling, golf and bowling with a circle of enduring friends and family. There were many memorable camping trips and barbecues with aunts, uncles, cousins and close family friends.
Dad was a 32 year provincial government employee. When he retired from the government, he took on consulting projects for a few years. He enjoyed many years of travel with Donna (wife) and close friends and family. They travelled throughout Europe and Asia but really enjoyed their golf and gambling trips closer to home. Dad was very active with the Sacred Heart Church and the Cedar Hill Golf Course serving as President for the golf course and treasurer for the church. He also loved to play cards and met with the gang from the golf course every Saturday for many years.
The family wishes a special thank you to long time friends, Dorothy and Walt Large and Morris Dean. We would also like to thank the staff at Beckley Farm Lodge for the compassion and loving care during his time there.
Dad was a gentleman, a kind and loyal friend and father. He will be missed by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and friends. He is now reunited with his love, Donna, and for that we are grateful.
A service at the Sacred Heart Church will be held later this summer.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Anne Hartlen
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Sandi Gibson (McLean) and Family He will always be my santa <3. So many of my memories have your Dad (and Mom and all of you) in them. Im so thankful for those. He's joined the original gang and they are dealing those cards up; With Papa cheating of course.
Huge love and hugs out to you all.
Such a sweetheart and a true gentleman. He had a laugh and a smile for everyone and is missed. Condolences from Anne and Ian at Cedar Hill.