John Baird Finlay

John Baird Finlay passed away peacefully at PeopleCare Long Term Facility, Tavistock on Sunday, October 17, 2010. Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic January 29, 1929, John was the elder son of Gwendolen and Frederick Finlay. The Finlays moved to England after the September 1930 hurricane in the Dominican. On July 6, 1931, the Finlay family arrived in Canada and settled in Toronto. John received his elementary and secondary education in Toronto graduating from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1952. He received his Master of Arts Degree for the University of Western Ontario in 1977. On August 1, 1950, John married Tove Jensen, moved to Woodstock where both taught Secondary School and raised their four children. John spent his first career in Education. Over a period of 33 years he was an English teacher, a vice principal, a principal and a superintendent of schools for the Oxford County Board of Education and its predecessors. Many of his former students continue to reminisce about John reciting poetry during English classes. Retiring from education in 1988, John enjoyed curling, fishing, golfing, skiing and revisiting his love of theatre and acting with the Woodstock Little Theatre. In 1993 John began his second career when he entered politics. Elected as Member of Parliament ( MP ) for Oxford, John was re-elected for three terms spending a total of 11years as MP retiring in June 2004. During his tenure as MP, John was treasurer of the Liberal caucus, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development and a member of many committees. While an MP, John was a recipient of the Queen's Jubilee Award (2002). On May 15, 1999, John married Mary Anne Silverthorn who survives. Also surviving are Stephen and his sons Glenn and Eric of Vancouver, Mark (Elaine Otis) of Beachville, Barbara ( Doug Elliot), David and Sarah of Coboconk. His brother David (Bev) also reside in Vancouver. Also surviving is John's daughter-in-law, Dr. Carolyn Roberts Finlay of Vancouver. John was predeceased by Gwendolen (1993), Fred (2001), Tove (2000) and son Billie (1968). In 2004, John was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. His health deteriorated but John and Mary Anne were able to continue their love of travel. Together they visited all seven continents, many counties in Europe, Asia, Africa many states in the US and Canada from coast to coast to coast. In addition they visited many places by cruising including Iceland and Antarctica. They had many special moments that they cherished - such as seeing the big 5 on an African Safari, ballooning over the Serengeti, walking among the penguins while visiting Antarctica, dancing with the Maori in New Zealand and meeting Queen Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela, and Prince Charles. John was a strong supporter of community. He was a former president of the Woodstock Ski club, an actor with the Woodstock Little Theatre, Campaign Chairperson of the United Way (1982), member of the United Way Board 1982-1993, member of the Fundraising Committee of the Oxford Children's Aid Society (1990-1993), member of Woodstock Hospital Board of Trust (1991-1993) and supporter of the former Woodstock Strings and an Associate member of the Woodstock Royal Canadian Legion Br. #55. A strong supporter of the Arts, John and Mary Anne are members of the Stratford Theatre, the Shaw Festival Theatre, local Little Theatres (Woodstock, Ingersoll, Tillsonburg), the Woodstock Choralaires, the Fanshawe Singers, the Ingersoll Choral Society and the Woodstock Art Gallery. January 29, 2009 was a very special birthday as he turned 80. He and Mary Anne celebrated his birthday with a family trip ---11 Finlay's flew to the Dominican to share his birthplace with his children and their families. In addition the community poured out their support and friendship as they joined with John in an amazing Open House celebration with over 250 people attending. This birthday celebration he remembered fondly forever. John entered Woodstock Hospital on December 19, 2009. The week before he was still curling and singing with the South Gate Singers. He moved to PeopleCare on March 23, 2010. In addition he is a member of the City of Woodstock Accessibility Committee, the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians and the United Church of Canada, attending services at Knox United Church in Embro. Mary Anne, Steve, Mark and Barb and their families will receive family and friends at the Longworth Funeral Home, 845 Devonshire Ave., Woodstock, 519-539-0004 on Saturday, November 6, 2010 from 2-5 and 7-9 PM. Cremation will take place. A celebration of John's life and community service will be held Sunday November 7, 2010 at 2:30 PM at Knox United Church Embro with service to be conducted by Rev. Judy Campbell, Rev. Glen Wright and Rev. Tom Hiscock. Private interment of John's ashes in their plot in Harris Street Cemetery, Ingersoll will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers and according to John's wishes, the family request memorial donations to the Parkinson's Society Southwestern Ontario or the Woodstock Hospital. Special thanks to the staff and Dr. Brad Card of PeopleCare in Tavistock for the amazing care, love and support that John experienced during his stay at their long term care facility. Online condolences at www.longworthfuneralhome.com

Visitation Details

Saturday, November 6th, 2010 2:00pm - 5:00pm, Longworth Funeral Home

Saturday, November 6th, 2010 7:00pm - 9:00pm, Longworth Funeral Home

Service Details

Sunday, November 7th, 2010 2:30pm, Knox United Church - Embro

Interment Details

Harris Street Cemetery