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RAYMOND FINNIGAN Obituary

It is with deep sadness we mourn the loss of Raymond "Ray" Daniel Finnigan, who passed on to our heavenly Father on November 24, 2014. Ray was born in 1927, in San Francisco, CA to Irish immigrant parents, John Finnigan and Anne McCarthy Finnigan, originally from County Cork, Ireland. Ray was the eleventh child born into the family of 11 children. Ray spent his childhood with his five brothers, and five sisters, on Couvier Street in the Mission District of San Francisco, CA. Ray graduated from Balboa High School in June of 1945, and one month later at the age of 17, he joined the United States Marines. Ray was stationed aboard the USS Antietam in the Asiatic Pacific region. Upon his honorable discharge from the Marines, Ray used his GI Bill and began attending Fresno State University. During his summer breaks, he worked in Yosemite for the Curry Company at the Ahwahnee Hotel as a waiter and wine steward. In between his duties, he met Nancy Lea "Woody" Woodmancy who was a lifeguard and waitress at the Ahwahnee. After a two year courtship, they were married in Madera, CA. They have been married for over 60 years. When Ray graduated from Fresno State, he began his teaching career at Central High School in Fresno County in 1956, and later transferred to McLane High School, just before the school opened in 1960. Ray taught history and economics. Ray was also a successful tennis coach for the McLane Highlanders. With Ray's leadership and his talented students, he led multiple teams to county and statewide championships. In addition to the academic and athletic side of high school education, Ray was also very involved in the establishment of the Fresno Federation of Teachers. At 6 foot, 2 inches tall, and 190 pounds, Ray was an imposing figure with fiery curly red hair and green eyes. Ray was no "push-over", and could cite a Union contract backwards. He was frequently called upon by his fellow educators throughout the years to work out Administrative issues related to teacher rights. He was a strong advocate for teacher rights, which he translated into a student's right to a quality education. Ray inspired his students on a regular basis and believed every student who came to his class had the ability to learn. Ray spoke of students as a proud parent would speak of their child and he felt as though "teaching" was the profession of "Kings." Ray enjoyed tennis, square dancing, bridge, reading, and traveling with his wife and three children in his Terry travel trailer. Ray never came across a topic he could not talk about and his "stories" are legendary. Ray is survived by his wife Woody; his son, Greg Finnigan; daughter, Kathleen Finnigan; grandsons, Sean and Connor Finnigan-Mercer; son, Brian Finnigan; daughter-in-law, Yolanda Finnigan; granddaughters, Marilyn and Tiffany Jorgenson; and his brother, Thomas Finnigan of San Francisco. A Public Celebration of Ray's Life will be held at the Peoples Church, in the G.L. Johnson Chapel, 7172 N. Cedar Avenue, FresnoCA on Saturday, December 20, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. Reception and meal to follow in the multi purpose room from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Fresno, P.O. Box 3438, Fresno, CA 93650; or the Fresno SPCA, 103 S. Hughes, Fresno, CA 93706.

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

Published by Fresno Bee on Dec. 14, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for RAYMOND FINNIGAN

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Marilyn Clanton-Pruett

January 2, 2015

I had Mr. Finnigan as my history teacher in 1969. I sat right in front of his desk. He was a wonder,kind and caring teacher. My first day in his class he noticed my last name "Clanton" and questioned me on my relationship to the Clantons of the OK Corral. I informed him I was a direct descendant, and from then on he called me Ike and I think his favorite student for the year. I always have remembered him fondly. So very sorry for your loss.

Conrad Sanborn

December 25, 2014

It was with great sadness that I learned of Ray's passing. I was a teaching colleague of Ray's during a number of years at McLane High School & I knew him to be passionate teacher who cared about his students & their development as reasonable citizens!

December 17, 2014

In Class of '66. Did not have Mr. Finnegan as an instructor, but remember him visiting next door at Coach Everett Smith's house.

Diane McCallan Fisher

December 17, 2014

Mr. Finnigan was my history teacher and made history come to life. I truely enjoyed his class. Class of '61. My sympathy to his family. May God be with you in this time of sorrow.

Karl Watts

December 16, 2014

My most quoted teacher. An inspiration to listen carefully.

Dana Gulley-Sowerby

December 15, 2014

Mr. Finnigan was my history teacher when I attended McLane High School, class of 1986. He was a very fair teacher and highly respected. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who loved him.

A. H.

December 15, 2014

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Jacque (Lemons) Privett

December 15, 2014

I graduated in 1989, and have great memories of my time in Mr. Finnigan's class. May his family find comfort in knowing that he made a positive impact on so many lives. Rest in peace.

December 14, 2014

My condolences to the Finnigan family. I was a student at Mclaine, and man could he talk. God Bless you all. Donna (Thornton) Bowden

Cecelia Fischer-Bonesteel

December 14, 2014

Mr. Finnegan was my history teacher at McLane in 1960. It was a treat to be in his class because he was one of those rare teachers that can bring history to life and make you care what happened and why. Sincerest condolences to his family.

Lori English-Lewis

December 14, 2014

Mr. Finnigan was a great teacher and mentor. He will be missed. He was a teacher to my siblings as well. My condolences to his family.

Richard Hernandez

December 14, 2014

May your memory burn bright in your family, and all that had the honor to know you.
Highlander forever!

janice williams-garza

December 14, 2014

I was a student of mr finnigan in 1987...u had just gotten engaged at the beginning of that school year and was getting married 2 weeks after i graduated and mr finegan having the reputation of being a very strict teacher could see i was a very serious and responsible person, so as long as i showed up ,turned in my homework and picked up my new assignment if i had a dress fitting or any other wedding errands he would let me go...we had many beautiful conversations and he always gave good advice..im proud to say that i am still happily married to the same man for the last 28 years....im so very sorry for your loss

Fran Snow - Vandergrift

December 14, 2014

My condolances to his family. He was one of my very favorite teachers at McLane high school in 60/61. I have never forgot what he taught us. Rest in peace sir.

Dwayne Eslinger

December 14, 2014

A great inspiration as a teacher and a man. Also knew his daughter Kathleen. My condolences to them all

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