JOHN BYRON ‘JACK’ FINCH

John Byron “Jack” Finch, 87, of Lash Township, Ont., passed away suddenly at his residence on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009.
He was born March 25, 1922 in Emo, Ont. to the late Byron “Barney” and Laura Finch.
Jack attended school in Emo. At age 14, Jack began his logging career along with his brother, Jim. Eventually, Jack acquired his own limits logging on Rainy Lake and in the Flanders area.
He worked hard logging in the winter and then farming in the summer months.
Jack was united in marriage to Joan Murray on Oct. 27, 1962. They shared a passion for farming, working side by side developing a successful beef farm.
He was a founding member of the Rainy River Hereford Association. Both he and Joan developed strong and lasting friendships through affiliation with the farming industry.
After Joan’s death in 1990, Jack retired from farming. He refocused his energy and passion for the land on growing a large and bountiful garden. He dug and delivered sacks of vegetables to friends and neighbours throughout the district.
Until his death, Jack maintained a keen interest in farming
Jack maintained a strong and sometimes gruff exterior. But those that he chose to surround himself with knew his generosity, his soft heart, and that “coffee would be ready in a few minutes.” He loved to share facts and stories of early logging in Rainy River District.
He will be missed by family and friends that meant so much to him. Now he is reunited with Joan, his best friend and true love.
Jack is survived by one brother, Jim Finch and wife, Dorothy, of Fort Frances, Ont.; three nieces, Nancy and husband, Norman Cain, of Devlin, Ont., Jacqui and husband, Erick Thingstad, of Ignace, Ont., and Anne and husband, Jim Parryhill, of Gretna, Man.
He also is survived by special extended family, Ron and Wilma Redford and family, Ken and Marilyn McKinnon and family, and Jack and Kathy McNabb and family.
Funeral services were held Monday, Dec. 7, 2009 at 1 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, Ont., with Rev. Frances Flook officiating.
Interment will take place in Emo Cemetery in Emo at a later date.
Family and friends were invited to visit from noon until service time.
The honourary pallbearers were all of Jack’s family and friends whose lives he touched throughout the years.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc.—La Verendrye General Hospital, 110 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2B7 or to the charity of your choice c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com