FORREST FINLAY
1930 - 2021
Peacefully on March 7, 2021 Forrest passed on. Forrest will be sadly missed by his wife of 66 years, Verla and his two sons, Dwight (Darlene) and Dean (Lenore) as well as his grandchildren, Ryan (Ashley), Jesse (Denise), Kirsten (Steve), Carlee (Sam) and David (Breanne). Forrest was also a proud great grandfather to Lewis, Felix, Wesley, Wyatt, Malcolm, Jack and Eloise.
Forrest was born on June 3, 1930 and grew up on the family farm outside of Neepawa, Manitoba. He was pre-deceased by his father Harold and his mother Florence. Forrest chose to leave the farm and pursue a career as a locomotive engineer with the CNR. He worked with CNR until his retirement in 1989.
Forrest and Verla raised their family in Transcona and then moved out to Sandy Hook, where Dad was able to pursue his passion for golf. Mom and dad spent their winters in Mesa Arizona, for 28 years. Getting away from Manitoba winters clearly agreed with them. Dad forged long lasting friendships wherever he went, and friends were a very important part of his life. Dad cherished the time that he was able to spend with friends.
Nothing was more important to Dad than his family. He loved being a father to his sons, a grandfather to his 5 grandchildren and a great grandfather to his 7 great grandchildren. He modeled for his entire family, the importance of love, in keeping family connected. He and mom danced at each of their grandchildren’s weddings and the pride and love that they had for family was so evident. In his final days, he took the time to remind us of how blessed he felt to be surrounded by the love of his family.
Dad lived his life one day at a time and entered the final stage of his life with an appreciation of the blessings that had come his way. His love for mom was at the center of all that he did, and he wanted to make sure that she would be well taken care of in his absence. The void left by the passing of Dad will be difficult to fill, but Dad’s fingerprints are all over his family and his love of life and family will be carried forward and without question, his presence will continue to be felt.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Stonewall (Dr. Evelyn Memorial) Hospital for their compassion and caring during Dad’s final days. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that donations be made in Forrest’s name to CancerCare Manitoba.
Those wishing to sign the online Guest Book please visit mackenziefh.com