Obituary of Donald Byers Finnie

Donald Byers Finnie passed away at the family home, St. Marys, on July 8th, 2017, in his 93rd year.Beloved husband of the late Marion H. Finnie, nee Kemp, (2014). Dear father of Joan Leistner and husband Henry (Toronto), Barbara Finnie and husband John Peters (Barrie), Marilyn Armstrong and husband Ron Armstrong (Milton), and Glenn Finnie (St. Marys). Proud and loving grandfather of Greg and Trevor Armstrong, Jordan, Brandon, and Breken Finnie, and Braeden Peters. Predeceased by his parents Marjorie and William B. Finnie, brother Walter R. Finnie and his sister-in-law, Grace. Uncle to Ian, Carl, and Ann and their spouses and families. Survived by his brother-in-law, Robert P. Richardson (Simcoe). Predeceased by his sister-in-law Ruth Kemp-Richardson. Uncle to Lynne and An and their spouses and families.In 1951, Don built his home on a mixed agricultural farm; he also started a venture into the new business of mink ranching. He was a member of the Canadian Mink Breeders Association and developed quality, prize winning fur. He then saw the opportunity to develop a feed and supply business for the mink and pet food industries. In later years he started a garlic growing venture and planted a garden every year, including colourful gladiolas. Involvement in community activities included becoming President of the Rotary Club; he contributed his business skills to the Blanshard Township Planning Board, to the South Perth Economic Development Committee, and to oversight of the construction of three baseball fields at the Baseball Hall of Fame. Don was a dedicated volunteer on the Board of Crime Stoppers. He had a strong belief in giving back to the community by donating to the St. Marys Hospital Foundation, Baseball Hall of Fame, and the Pyramid Centre. He achieved a dream of building a family cottage, enjoyed family get togethers, and travelled extensively for business and pleasure. Special thanks to the wonderful team of caregivers that helped Don remain in his own home in his recent years, along with the dedicated care of Dr. Gatfield. Family and friends are invited to the ST. MARYS UNITED CHURCH, 85 Church St. South, St. Marys, on Thursday, July 13, 2017 for visitation from 11 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 1 p.m. Interment in St. Marys Cemetery. Reception to follow at the St. Marys Golf and Country Club, 769 Queen St E, St. Marys. In lieu of flowers and as an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the St. Marys Hospital Foundation or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.