Obituary of Merlin Finnie

FINNIE - Mr. Merlin Finnie of Yorkton, formerly of the Kamsack area, beloved husband of Jean Finnie passed away suddenly on Tuesday, June 5, 2012. He was 69 years of age. Merlin Cecil Charles Finnie was born July 20, 1942 in Kamsack, SK to Frank and Viola Finnie. Merlin is predeceased by his father Frank. Merlin is survived by his wife Jean of 45 years, and three sons. Roland and Bobbie-Jo, and children Randy, Robin Finnie and Derian and Jasmin Souster of Yorkton, SK., and Great Grandson Dayton of Swan River, MB. Neil and Roxane and children Colt, Noah and Alanna of Kamsack, Cory and Yvonne Sims and son Brandon of Arcola, SK. His mother Viola Finnie, two sisters Evelyn of Nanaimo, BC and Francis Bowes of Kamsack, SK. Merlin got his education at Silver Creek and graduated from the Kamsack Collegiate Institution in 1960. He went to teachers college in Regina, SK. His first school was Thunderbird School, SK near Thunder Hill. In 1965 he moved to Cross Lake, MB. to teach, only to return the next year with his wife Jean Avery of Benito MB. They were married August 6, 1966, in Benito MB. In 1967, Merlin and Jean moved to Kamsack, where they purchased Merlin's Uncle Leo's farm and Merlin continued his teaching at Assiniboine School, Grade 5. On July 13, 1968, they were blessed with their first son Roland Jeffery, two years later they were blessed with another son Neil Roger, born September 27, 1970. On June 5 1972 they were blessed again with their third son Merlin William Cory. Merlin continued to teach in Kamsack until 1979, then he took a principal's position in Togo, SK where he taught until he retired in 1981 and went into full time farming. Merlin and Jean continued to farm at Kamsack until 1997. Then they moved to Yorkton, SK to start a new life and a business "Park Allen Farm and Ranch Supply", which they operated together until October 31, 2011 when Merlin retired. Merlin was very active in the community of Kamsack, he sat as an RM Councillor, Division 5 for many years, active on the Nursing Home Board, Duck Mountain Ski Hill and helped with the Rural Water Pipeline in Kamsack. The Funeral Service was held on Sunday, June 10, 2012 at Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Crystal Bailey, Certified Celebrant officiating. The musical selections included in the service were "Go Rest High on That Mountain", "The Old Rugged Cross" and "We Won't Dance". The eulogy was presented by Doreen Merrman. Neil and Cory carried out their father's urn. The interment will take place at a later date. Memorials in memory of Merlin Finnie may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.baileysfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Sunday, June 10th, 2012 2:00pm, Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre Interment Details Riverview Cemetery