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David William FINLAY

1959 - 2020

David William FINLAY obituary, 1959-2020, Toronto, ON

BORN

1959

DIED

2020

David FINLAY Obituary

DAVID WILLIAM FINLAY March 2, 1959 - December 31, 2020 Dave died peacefully New Year's Eve at Toronto General Hospital after a long illness. Survived by his Mom Terry Finlay of Burlington, his sister Lynda (John Jessop), son Kim (Nola Lacey) and daughter Christine (Daniel Jacobs), all of Toronto. Predeceased by his Dad James Finlay in 2010. Dave was an accomplished international businessman and entrepreneur with a flair for languages; a talented chef; a University of Toronto BCom graduate; and a lifelong, true-blue Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan. He was especially devoted to his beloved Hamilton Ti-Cats and had a message for Canadian football fans who have lost their way: "The CFL is a better league and a far better game than the NFL. Come on!" His knowledge of sports, business, history and politics was encyclopedic and perspicacious. He was a brilliant, hilarious guy, gone too soon. A Celebration of Life will take place post-Covid-19. If you would like to show support to honour Dave, his family would appreciate contributions to The Heart and Stroke Foundation https://www.heartandstroke.ca/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give or The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health camh.ca/donate.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Globe and Mail from Jan. 6 to Jan. 10, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for David FINLAY

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16 Entries

Bart Blom

March 9, 2021

My condolences to all his family and friends. I worked with David at Sietec (Siemens) and Allinson-Ross and often travelled with him in the 1990's all over the US and parts of Europe. I was cleaning up old business cards and tripped over one of his, so I Googled his name. I know the last years were not easy on him, but but it was a shock to find out he passed.
I have great memories of traveling with him. He was funny, engaging, full of jokes, so well spoken, loved good food, and his wine and wiskey.
We worked hard, but also had a lot of fun. Rest in peace my friend!

Colleen

January 31, 2021

My deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved this wonderful man taken to soon. I am a close friend of his sister Lynda. I met Dave for the first time during one of my visits with Lynda years ago. He was a happy go lucky guy who could tell a joke with a straight serious face. (Not many of us can do that) He will be very sadly missed. Rest in peace Dave and may you look down on all that loved you and keep them safe

Jacqueline (Jacki) Preyde

January 10, 2021

I also have very fond memories of Dave from Vlad House. He seemed to be constantly looking for an opportunity to make someone laugh with him. (For some reason, I picture him walking down the residence hallway wearing a toga, grinning.) I also remember him as kind and respectful. He was a real gem.

Kevin Boettger

January 8, 2021

Although it's been many years since we have spoke I was saddened to hear the news of your passing, My sincere condolences.

Colin Sinclair

January 8, 2021

So Finz, you’ve sure done it now! I’m so very sad to lose one of my best friends of all time. I was always in awe of Dave. He was smarter funnier and followed US college football. We met at Nelson High School and warmed the football bench together. Many weekends spent at the trailer at Clear Lake along with his parents, Jim and Terry, his sister Lynda, formed the bases of my politics, love of history, and business drive. They changed my life. Dave and I went on to travel together, Bahamas, California coast, London England to name a few. We had a plan to crash every Grey Cup game but I think we only got to 3 before life got in the way. And boy did he make me laugh. His impish giggle always precluded a prank or a joke. He loved adventures and he loved life. Tragically a severe stroke slowed him down way too early. We were going to change the world...but the world changed us. I am truly heartbroken to lose such a wonderful friend and mentor. Sure gonna miss you Finz.
Colin Sinclair

Paul Boettger

January 7, 2021

I am so sorry to hear this news. I have fond memories of spending time with the Finlay family growing up. My deepest condolences.

Nelson Li

January 7, 2021

My friendship with “Fins” started in college where we shared the residence life of Vladimir House and then an off-campus apartment with another Vlad-mate. Dave was a dazzling combination of warm, good-hearted fun-seeking and preternatural entrepreneurship. His sense of humor and sincere love of people inevitably made him the magnetic center of social gatherings. When he wasn’t sharing a laugh, planning a prank or telling a stemwinder, he was working at some business enterprise. There was the time he seized the moment around a Mississauga train derailment to sell commemorative T-shirts. And of course he spent many years running a painting franchise, for which he wouldn’t hire me because I “would take too long”. I think he meant is as a compliment. Dave, you weren’t in this world long enoughwe miss you. - Nelson

Glenn Pringle

January 7, 2021

I remember Dave from Vlad House at U of T and from reunions and many get togethers since. He was a very social guy. I recall his broad knowledge in many discussions at university and in the many get togethers over the years with our Vlad friends, I enjoyed his very social personality. My condolences to the family, wishing you all the comfort of happy memories shared together.
Glenn Pringle

The McBrides

January 7, 2021

We are so sorry for your loss. Our memory is of David as a very polite young man with a ready smile. He was the first sitter for the two McBride boys.

Our thoughts and prayers to Terry and Lynda at this difficult time.

Douglas

January 6, 2021

Thanks for the wonderful memories Dave ...they will be with me forever. May God grant you the peace you deserve and revoke your golf membership in Heaven ... golf is truly a game enjoyed from the sidelines.. thanks for the life lesson .. forever in my heart , as all of the Finlay family is
Please accept my light hearted condolences in the loving way intended . May God be with you and grant you peace in the knowledge our David is in His loving hands .. Amen

Debbie Galloway

January 6, 2021

Dave was such a witty and engaging person. Though I only saw him occasionally, it was always a pleasure to be in his company. Heartfelt condolences to Terry, Lynda and the Finlay clan. He will be greatly missed.

Nola

January 6, 2021

Dave was always very welcoming to me when I visited him as his son's partner. We celebrated the holidays, chatted about movies, travel, and languages, and shared several gyros together. He had a terrific sense of humour and passion for cooking. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Raylea Lambert

January 6, 2021

Dave and I met at UofT, sharing the same crazy wonderful residence that left a lasting impression on many of us. At the last reunion we had he gave a beautiful speech which captured the essence of how we all felt. Our friend Jeff Hutchings wrote to me today about seeing Dave after many years:
“ He had a heart of gold. It was a real joy to see him again in Toronto:”
Dave was a good friend, a truly funny person, he will be greatly missed.

Peter Ellis

January 6, 2021

The last time I saw Dave was twelve years ago when we shared a lunch in Toronto. It was the first time I’d seen Fins since Vlad House (at U of T) and we picked up as if the intervening 30 years were just a week or two.

Dave and I weren't close, but we were friends. Seems we connected in the way he connected typically with just about everyone. He spread his cheer liberally and indiscriminately. Other than a few of his one-liners, his deeply misguided loyalty to the Leafs, and his re-setting Tony’s broken toe, I don't have any real specific memories of Fins. On the other hand, I hold a vibrant memory of his permeating bonhomie, conviviality, humour, smile and spark. I can't think of Fins without cracking a smile.

Peter Ellis
Victoria, B.C.

Debbie Boettger

January 6, 2021

I am so sorry for your loss, I have wonderful memories of your family growing up across the street from you and David was a wonderful part of that. God bless you all in this difficult time.

Bill Hewitt

January 6, 2021

My deepest sympathy and condolences to you, Lynda and your family. Although it's been many years since Dave and I had an opportunity socialize, I do remember his cutting humor and his love of cooking, he will be deeply missed. Rest in Peace my friend.

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results

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