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David Finch Obituary

Finch, David L. Jr.



David Llewellyn Finch, Jr., died tragically August 24, 2015, at the age of 60 years. A loving and devoted father, son, brother, and husband, David lived in Albuquerque for over 30 years and dearly loved New Mexico. David was gentle and compassionate, a consummate gentleman always quick to help or share a laugh. He was an accomplished computer engineer with diverse hobbies and interests, usually excelling at them. He was a life-long whitewater kayaker, an internationally ranked chess player, an expert downhill skier; he played and coached ice hockey, enjoyed scuba diving, was an adept juggler, a keen admirer of music, a food & wine enthusiast, and, especially, a lover of Nature.

David worked the past dozen years at Advanced Network Management (ANM), which was more than just an employer; they were like family. Dave is known to many New Mexico businesses for his competent approach to technical challenges, so often infused with his kindhearted sense of humor. David relished life and enjoyed sharing his passions with others. He mentored new computer engineers and also enjoyed children. Whether solving a complex problem, coaching ice-hockey, or teaching kids to play chess, Dave was kind, patient and lighthearted.

David is survived by Kathy, his wife of 27 years; son James; mother Patricia Wellborn; father David Finch, Sr.; brothers Thomas and Robert; stepmothers Norma Finch and Mary Ellen Smith-Ford; stepsisters Linda Ruhf, Cindy Portnoy, Marjorie Ford, and Deborah Wellborn; stepbrothers Mark Boyle, Bruce Boyle, Kai Ford, and William Wellborn; as well as numerous cousins, aunts and uncles. David will be sorely missed by his family and his many friends and colleagues whose lives he touched in so many ways.

A private memorial to celebrate David's life will be held in Albuquerque. In lieu of flowers, donations in David's memory may be sent to United Way of Albuquerque.

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

Published by Albuquerque Journal from Oct. 31 to Nov. 8, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for David Finch

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Sara Hampton

October 3, 2020

Thinking about you Dave, kind, gentle,funny,Kayaker, lover of things wild. I am so grateful that I got to know you ...prayers for you and all the family.

Rick Speight

July 23, 2019

I met David in 1961, when I moved across the street from him. In 2018, I wrote a book of my adventures on the famous Hicks Drive, and David was featured in a couple stories. Wish I'd seen this sooner.

Telluride 2015

Rosemary McCourt

November 14, 2015

Dave, from the very beginning - you were a keeper! Peace!

Rachel Bear

November 9, 2015

You were the sweetest man I've ever known. Rest in Peace, Dave.

Michael St. John

November 8, 2015

Dave was my Mentor, Colleague and dear Friend. I had the honor working with him and learning from him. I miss you my old friend.

Terri Larrabee

November 8, 2015

I had the pleasure of working with this "gentle" man for several years. He was one of the kindest, most compassionate people I had ever met. I am the one who is blessed for knowing him. I will remember your warm smile and amazing, clever sense of humor. I will always smile and think of you when I have a glass of red wine or a slice of berry pie. My deepest condolences Kathy Finch and family.

Michael Sedillo

November 4, 2015

Our deepest and most sincere condolences to Kathy Finch and her family. May God comfort you with his loving touch and may he welcome David to paradise with his loving embrace.

Michael and Donna Sedillo

Karin (Schultz) Hayman

November 4, 2015

Though I have not seen Dave in decades, I remember him fondly as a gentle and thoughtful man who was kind to everyone. He will be missed tremendously. Heartfelt condolences to Kathy, their families, and all who knew Dave.

Halloween 1970(?).

David Carmody

November 1, 2015

Cindy Portnoy

October 31, 2015

Dave was a gentle kind soul with a warm sense of humor.....he will be greatly missed

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