Finlay — Milton Roy Finlay passed away peacefully at the Souris Personal Care Home on March 7, 2014. He was born April 2, 1919 on his parents’ farm near Goodlands, Manitoba. He was predeceased by his wife Eleanor (Schmok) in 2008 and his birthday twin grandson Jason Hargreaves in 2009. Roy was survived by five children, Ted (Joyce), Susan, Walter (Debra), Nancy (Jim Hargreaves) and Valerie (Harold Renn), four grandchildren, Aaron (Nicole) Hargreaves, Danielle (Paul Klick), Annette (Gerard Tetrault), Steven (Eleanore) Renn, eight great grandchildren Austin, Kohen and Walker Hargreaves, Louis, Kaylie and Cole Tetrault, Olivia and James Renn, sister Helen Meggison, brother-in-law Martin Schmok, sisters-in-law Myrtle MacKenzie, Thelma, Agnes, and Mary Schmok as well as many nieces and nephews. Roy attended Croydon one-room school house prior to starting farming with his father. He met Eleanor when she was teaching at Croydon in 1940. Serving in the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada from 1942 to 1946, Roy travelled from Prince Rupert, BC to Halifax, NS before being sent overseas. He was posted to England and Holland but enjoyed leaves with extended family in Scotland. He has been a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for over 65 years. Roy and Eleanor were married in Vancouver in 1946. They farmed at Goodlands 1946- 1968 and at Souris 1968-1997. Roy drove a school bus from Souris to Brandon for several years. He looked forward to auction sales, heavy horse shows and hunting season. Roy curled when he was younger, and continued to follow curling and baseball throughout his life. After they retired to Souris Roy loved going for coffee with the guys. Roy and Eleanor enjoyed touring North America, especially visiting family and friends, and spent a decade of winters in Texas. In 1995 the whole Finlay family (17 at the time!) went to Hawaii for Christmas holidays. Roy felt privileged to attend both the 50th and 60th anniversaries of the Liberation of the Netherlands. Roy spent his last years at Westview Lodge in Boissevain and Souris Personal Care Home. Roy’s life celebration was held at St. Paul’s United Church in Souris on March 29. In memory of Roy the family would appreciate donations to a Charity of your choice.
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I would like to send my sincere sympathy to the family of Roy Finlay. He was a wonderful man.
Our sympathys to the Finlay families on the passing of your father and grandfather. It is allways tough to loose a family member who has always meant so much to everyone. Bill and Judy Morningstar and families.
Dear Nancy, Jim and Family: We are so very sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. It is always sad to lose your father and grandfather, please know that our prayers and thoughts are with all of you during this time. Love and hugs, Don (Sam) and Linda Gradwell
Thinking of all of you at this difficult time, Uncle Roy was a joy and will be missed.
To The Finlay Family,
Sorry to hear of the passing of your Father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad and difficult time.
Sincerely,
Dean and Donna Couvier
Stonewall, Mb
Dear Valerie and family,
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you and the loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Love and hugs,
Valerie, Maria and Harold
Dear Jim, Nancy and family,
We were saddened to learn of the passing of your father, grandfather and great-grandfather. It is always so difficult to have a parent pass away as they leave such a big hole in our hearts. We hope that all the fond memories you hold of him will help you through the difficult days ahead,
Our sincere sympathy to all of you, Take care, Marie, Gord, Scott & Amanda & Graeme Matheson