July 4, 1921 – November 20, 2015

Born in London, England, eldest son of Herbert Cobb Finnis, OBE and Gwendolyn (Addinsell) Finnis, he attended Wellington College.  He enlisted at 19 in the Royal Artillery and served with the First Indian Field Regiment in Burma.  After receiving a forestry degree at Lincoln College, Oxford he immigrated to Canada in 1948 where he worked for the B.C. Forest Service.  He married Joan Turner on October 7, 1950 at St Mary’s Kerrisdale, Vancouver.   He obtained a Masters degree in Forestry from Oregon State University in Corvallis.  In 1960 he moved to Olympia, Washington where he worked for the Department of Natural Resources until 1972 when he returned to Victoria.   He retired from the Forest Service in June 1982.  Retirement was a busy time as he spent time with his grandchildren, curled, looked after his bees and was a very active member of Christ Church Cathedral serving as People’s Warden during the completion of the east wall.  A favourite Thursday activity was “stewarding” and showing people around the Cathedral. He joined the Burma Star Association and enjoyed his time with others who had served in “The Forgotten War”.  Michael was an avid gardener and was very active with the Victoria Horticultural Society.  He was well known for his sense of humour and creation of new words.  He loved supplying fresh vegetables to family, friends and neighbours and would often say “One day I’m going to ask St Peter why God created earwigs”.

Survived by Joan, his beloved wife of 65 years, sons David (Kathy Millar) and Mark and five grandchildren, Daniel, Stephen, Kathryn, Tristan and Emily Finnis.  Sadly predeceased by his younger brother Tim.  Thank you to Dr. Gary Nielsen, his physician of twenty-two years, and the staff of the Royal Jubilee Hospital.

Memorial service to be held Saturday, November 28 at 2pm at Christ Church Cathedral.   Interment in Cathedral Columbarium at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.

  • Gerry and Linda

    Bob and Elaine, on behalf of the Carr family we offer our sincere condolences for the loss of your son. Our thoughts are with you. Gerry and linda Carr

  • Lia & Gene

    Helen, Rob and Sammi,

    Our thoughts are with you during this sad time.
    Uncle Michael had such a zest for life, positive and friendly attitude, and enjoyed life, the secret to his longevity I’m sure!

    Rip uncle Michael.

    Our confidences — Wilson’s!

  • Barry and Barbara Jenks

    Dear Joan, David, Mark and family: We are sorry not to be able to be present with you and the others who will be gathering for the Memorial Service. We are in North Carolina spending a week with our son, Timothy, and his family. You are in our thoughts, conversation and prayers. May God’s strengthening grace be with you as you face the days ahead. Michael will be missed by so many people and certainly by the Cathedral community. He was a strong and faithful Christian servant presence for those many years. It was always a joy to meet with him and to know of his humour as well as his concerns. We give thanks for his life and faithful witness. May he rest in Peace and rise, with Christ, in Glory. Barry and Barbara Jenks

  • Sherry Butler

    Mark,

    My thoughts are with you. Remember all the good times with your father. What a
    remarkable life!

  • Ann Chateauvert

    Mark, what an interesting life your father led, he left a footprint. I will always remember his forethought of having bought tins rather than bottles. Loretta and I send you our thoughts and prayers.

    Ann

  • Margaret Parkinson

    Mrs. Finnis, David and Mark
    I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I have so many fond memories of being welcomed at your home. Mr. Finnis always had a friendly twinkle in his eye and a warm smile. I am so lucky to have known him.

  • Mary J. Daniels

    Yes, how many shared Harvest Festivals and Thanksgivings our families celebrated together — and there was a special wedding anniversary sandwiched in there, too, as I recall! Our verbal acrobatics — Michael and Hank were Gold medalists in that department — ranged from repartee to polemics as we all sipped tea and sherry and ate cake, cushioned in chintz and forever stirring up a wayward fire in the grate of Joan’s and Michael’s gracious front room … always open for full-hearted hospitality to anyone who showed up on the threshold … Weep for a disappearing generation of gracious expectations, but rejoice in the memories, inspiration and Love eternally planted in their wake … God bless the J. Michael Finnises! And THANK YOU!

  • Tina and Howard Thistlewood

    to David, Kathy and family,
    I am sending you my deepest condolences. May your many wonderful memories of the times you have had with your Dad and family comfort you at this time. Your Dad must have been a very special Dad and special person. I wished you were near so I could give you a big hug.
    Thinking of you with sympathy,
    Tina and Howard

  • The Marrs/Patton home

    David and family,

    How wonderful that you were able to be there when your dad finally “fell off his perch.” We hope that you had a lovely week together to laugh, to cry, and to remember. Sorry we can’t be with you, but you are in our thoughts.

    Remember to have a few beer/a glass of wine, and make a toast to his amazing life; he loved you.

  • Spence Daniels

    Michael Finnis was one of the most honorable and gracious persons I’ve ever known. I remember fondly the many times his family and mine celebrated Thanksgiving together in Olympia, WA. We will miss him dearly but know he’s now at peace with our Lord and Savior. God bless.

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