Obituary of A. Lorne Finley

FINLEY, Alexander Lorne, CET It is with great sadness that the family of Lorne Finley, of Halifax, announce his passing on December 30, 2018 at the age of 96. Born on June 30, 1922 in Cambridge, PEI, he was the son of J. Russell and Lillian (Graham) Finley. Lorne spent his early years in the Montague area where he attended Montague High School receiving the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Mathematics. He then went on to Prince of Wales College in Charlottetown, PEI. He attained his Certificate in Radiotelephone Operation in 1941. This led him to the Royal Canadian Air Force who required his technical expertise as England, at that time, was falling behind Germany in this area. Lorne’s interest (and medical issues) diverted him away from a career in the military and directed him to CFCY Radio in Charlottetown where he spent the first 14 years of his career. In 1942 while working for CFCY as a transmitter operator, Lorne obtained his electrical certification. Lorne, his wife Babs, and two young children, moved to Halifax in 1956 where he took the next step in his career at CBC TV in Halifax as what is now known as an Engineering Technologist. He retired at age 65, but at CBC’s request, Lorne continued as a contracted Technical Producer. A lifelong learner, Lorne taught himself a computer accounting program and worked with his daughter in her travel agency business. As one of the Founding Members of the Society of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists of Nova Scotia (now known as TechNova), Lorne was awarded a Life Membership in 1977 and recently presented with a Long Term Service Award. Lorne’s learning continued, completing a Small Business Management Training Course, which, along with his association with the Investment Property Owners Association of Nova Scotia, complimented his real estate investments. Time was also spent learning Morse Code to obtain his Amateur Radio Operator Certification. Lorne has been a member of Bethany United Church since 1956 and has put his expertise to good use by leading the installation of the church sound system. He was also a member of the Christian Education Committee, Treasurer of the Sunday School, Session member, Couples Club and Muffin Club member to name a few. Recently, Lorne was awarded Elder Emeritus Status by the Session of Bethany United which is a rare designation recognizing his years of service to this committee. A modest man, his charitable contributions would not be well known, but he was very compassionate and generous to those in need. He was proud of being a blood donor and was recognized for his 75+ donations. Lorne loved to travel and recently remarked that he and Babs had been in every state on the East Coast of the US, travelled to Europe, the Caribbean, California, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, across Canada and many trips to visit his sister in England. One of his other joys was exploring the back roads of the Maritime Provinces. Lorne leaves behind two daughters, Priscilla (Gary) Crowther, Halifax and Karen Finley (Ged Downey), Halifax; two grandchildren Leanne Crowther (Tyler) Marchant, Okotoks, AB and Nicholas Crowther, Barrhead, AB; three great grandchildren Emily and William Marchant and Shelby Crowther; brother-in-law Roy Tallentire, England and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his wife of 69 years, Babs; sister Pearl Tallentire, England; sister-in- law Priscilla Walker and brother-in-law Howard Walker, Stratford, PEI. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, Bedford (902-835-4212). Visitation will be Friday, January 4, 2019 from 7:00-9:00pm. The funeral service will be on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 2:00pm, with a reception to follow. Both events will be held at Bethany United Church, church entrance at 7171 Clinton Avenue, Halifax. Donations may be made in Lorne’s name to Bethany United Church, 2669 Joseph Howe Dr. Halifax, NS B3L 4G5. The Family would like to thank all those who sent cards, gifts and visited Dad since his stroke in November 2017. A special thanks to the staff of the Community Transitions Unit at the VG, 8.4 Infirmary Site and Arborstone Enhanced Care. Online condolences and sharing of memories can be made by visiting www.tjtracey.com.