Obituary - FINCH, Claude Willis

Born into the large and lively family of Russell and Mary Finch, Claude was one of eleven children raised in the Kelvington area. His story began as part of a legacy built when his father returned from the war in 1919 and eventually moved the family to Kelvington in 1926. Growing up in a household of four brothers and six sisters, Claude learned early the value of family and the deep roots of a Saskatchewan community.

In 1953, Claude began a career with SaskPower that would span 34 years. He started as a lineman during the rural electrification program, a period of work he was deeply proud of. That first winter of 1953 brought him to the Semans area, a move that would define the rest of his life. It was there he joined the Semans Wheat Kings hockey team; Claude and his teammates were later inducted into the Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012. Most importantly, it was in Semans where he met the love of his life, Leona Okell, in 1956. Their two-year courtship was filled with their favorite pastime—dancing—and they were married in May of 1958. They soon started a family of their own, welcoming three children: Wendy in 1959, Dean in 1960, and Joanne in 1963.

Throughout his career, Claude served with dedication as a Journeyman Lineman, District Operator, and Superintendent. His journey took the family to Nokomis, Punnichy, Avonlea, Assiniboia, Watrous, and Yorkton, before he finished his career in the business office in Regina in 1987. Even in retirement, he served as a judge at the annual SaskPower lineman rodeos. Claude and Leona also farmed the family homestead in the Semans area for a number of years. He loved to fish and hunt and cherished the times spent with his buddies, Tim and Glen, at "Lewiswyn Lodge," a hunting shack they maintained and named after the rural school Leona attended.

Retirement brought new adventures, and Claude felt very blessed to have spent many winters in Arizona with Leona. There, they continued their lifelong love of dancing. Back home, Claude was the ultimate supporter of his children and grandchildren. Whether it was sports, education, business ventures, jobs, or home improvements and projects, he took a deep interest in whatever they were focused on. He was never one to stay on the sidelines; he took great pride in helping his family build their lives and was always there to encourage their ambitions.

Claude was a storyteller at heart and a fiercely proud Canadian. He authored three books to capture the essence of his journey: Living Skies and Saskatoon Pies, Spirit of Saskatchewan, and finally Once Upon a Lifetime. Through his poetry and stories, he tied together his love for calling Saskatchewan home with the life journeys of his family and friends. The Finch family reunions were a very important part of Claude’s life, and he deeply valued the time spent with his extended family.

Claude was predeceased by his grandson Marshal; parents Russell and Mary; siblings Roy, Lavonne, Irene, Mona, Frank, Clifford, and Ralph; father-in-law and mother-in-law Syd and Evelyn Okell; and many brothers and sisters-in-law. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Leona; daughter Wendy (Ray), children Jennifer (Ash), Marguerite and Camille (Melissa); son Dean (Cyndi), children Tyler (Vero), Brady (Tennille), and Kendra (Clay); and daughter Joanne (Andrew), children Colby (Karen) and Tyson (Nicole); sisters Marie, Jewell, and Merle; brother-in-law Bob Fletcher and sister-in-law Lillian Finch. He is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

After his passing, the family found a final, private reflection Claude had written regarding his journey:

"It is said we all die twice, first when we are laid to rest and again when friends and family have no recollection of our being. Which brings me to the old saying, 'Nothing will ever die as long as it is remembered.'"

To honor Claude’s pride in his Canada and his Kelvington roots, donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion in Kelvington in his name.

At Claude’s request, a private family service will be held. Online messages of condolence may be left at www.paragonfuneralservices.com