Finn, Merlin Joseph
86, of Stellar Airpark in Chandler, Arizona passed on and went to heaven on November 21, 2012. He was born on February 24, 1926 to William and Augusta Finn in Wayne Nebraska. He married Elsie Marie Meyer on August 8th, 1959 in Louisville, Kentucky. They then bounced around a bit due to military engagements and then finally settled in Stellar Airpark in Chandler, Arizona in 1972 and celebrated 53 years of marriage.
At the age of 18 he joined the United States Army Air Corps during World War 2 and had a 26-year career that included maintaining state-of-the-art electronic systems on SAC bombers leading up to his retirement from the Air Force in 1970 as a Senior Master Sergeant. During his career in the service he traveled the world and was never shy to tell "anyone who would listen" adventures he encountered along the way. Together, Merlin and Elsie realized their dream by building one of the first custom homes on the runway at Stellar Airpark in 1972. In full anticipation of the pressures placed on private airports located near residential neighborhoods, Merlin, in 1978 formed the first Stellar Airpark Homeowners Association strictly for the purpose of presenting a single voice to local municipalities about the need for preservation of Stellar as an asset to the burgeoning city of Chandler. His sense of humor created "levity" in almost every setting and he was proudly proclaimed as a friend to anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. For more than 20 years he served as a greeter and an usher at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Tempe; his faith was deep and abiding and was frequently witnessed by his generosity to people in need. Merlin was survived by his loving wife Elsie Marie Finn, children Michael, Sharon, Mark, and Brian Finn, and 9 grandchildren. He is predeceased by their son John. A visitation will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, 1374 North Arizona Ave., Chandler, on Monday November 26th at 6 p.m. A funeral Mass will be conducted at 11:00am Tuesday November 27th, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1800 E. Libra Drive, Tempe. Interment will follow at 1:30 pm at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 North Cave Creek Rd. Phoenix.
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i miss you grandpa there is not a day without that i don't think about you and the good man you are but now your in a better place i won't ever for get the memories we had together even though you are gone you will always be in my heart i love you eternal
jessica finn
December 20, 2012
Miss you so much.
Stefanie Finn
December 19, 2012
You will always be in my heart. You were very funny and I can only imagine that you have the other angels in heaven laughing at all your jokes. Not a single day will go by without someone remembering you and cherishing the time they spent with you. Love you Mic.
Mary Lewis
December 5, 2012
I will miss u so mutch. You will always be in my heart! I loved you, i love you and will always love you grandpa.
Jasmine Finn
December 1, 2012
I love you and can not believe you are gone I will remember you forever!
Jamie Finn
December 1, 2012
Miss you Grandpa, rest in peace your in a better place!!
Love You!
Sorry that i wasnt able to be at the funeral....
Michael Finn
November 27, 2012
I had the opportunity to call Merlin my friend. He was always a pleasure to talk to and he lightened the mood by cracking jokes all the time! My favorite is when I would ask how he is doing? He always replied. "terrible! ..... terribly good!" He was a honest and caring man. He didn't hesitate to share his many life experiences and advice. He will truly be missed. May he rest in peace.
Holly -Arizona Federal
November 27, 2012
We Love You GRANDPA! You will be missed dearly!
Alexis Finn
November 26, 2012
As children we need most the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance. They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life. And, most importantly, cookies. Grandpa you were always so funny and admirable. I do now and always will admire your life, choices, and path you made for us to "try" to follow in your footsteps. You will be missed, but never forgotten. Love you grandpa.
Alexandra Finn
November 26, 2012
I love you Grandpa and you will be missed dearly!
Alexis Finn
November 26, 2012
It is with great sadness that I read about Merlin's passing. He was a charming gentleman with an endless sense of humor. He kept the gym filled with laughter and his presence will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Judi Varner
November 26, 2012
We'll miss you and your wonderful humor, Uncle Mickey
Kathy Pirie (Weston)
November 25, 2012
We will miss your wonderful sense of humor Uncle Mickey.
Patti Ethridge
November 25, 2012
So sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle Bud. I have such fond memories of him and the Finn family. His sense of humor and outlook on life was a gift to all of us. God Bless Elsie and the Finn family as you morn the loss of a wonderful man.
Cindy Hamer
November 25, 2012
Thank you Grandpa for all you have done for us, and the time you spent with us. You're in a better place now, so rest in peace. We love you and we'll meet up again one day!
Luchan Finn-Price
November 24, 2012
I Love You Dad
Sharon Finn-Price
November 24, 2012
Love u grandpa and miss u already
Jesse Finn
November 24, 2012
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