FINLEY, Wallace Charles - Peacefully at Royal Victoria Hospital, Barrie, Ontario on February 3, 2020, at the age of 96 years. ”Wally” was the beloved husband of the late Elaine Ann Finley through 65 years of marriage. He was the loving father of Christine Wightman (Joseph), James Finley (Madeleine), Patricia Leclerc (Côme), Charles Finley and the late Joseph Finley (surviving spouse Cara). Cherished grandfather of Andrew (Kim), Beth (Brett), Peter (Stacy), Michael (Kayla), Megan (James), Angela, Stephen, Melanie (Mukesh), Renée, Austin (Alina), Jacqueline and great-grandfather of Claire, Luke, Rose, Ryan, Evelyn, Margaret, Nicholas, Nevan, and Ava. Wally leaves his loving sister Diane Molloy of Calgary and was pre-deceased by his brother Donald Finley of Toronto. Wally was born in Toronto, Ontario, graduating in civil engineering from the University of Toronto in 1946. He spent much of life and career in Kapuskasing, Ontario, where he married Elaine Ann Van Domelen and where his children were born. He worked his way up from an entry-level engineer right of out school with Spruce Falls Inc. to become the President of the company in 1972. He joined Donohue Saint-Félicien Inc. in 1976 where he learned to speak French and oversaw the construction of a new kraft pulp mill in the Lac St. Jean region of Québec. Wally then became Executive Vice President of Operations with parent company Donohue Inc. in Quebec City before retiring in 1988. He and Elaine moved to Barrie, Ontario and he spent his retirement years regaling audiences with his beautiful singing voice as part of the Barrie County Chordsmen and Vocal Maturity singing groups. He was an avid golfer, curler, the outgoing “life of the party”, leader of the family, always with wise counsel and a song to match every occasion. His family and many friends all miss him greatly and are honoured to have been part of his full and accomplished life.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests making a donation to the charity of your choice.