Richard "Dick" Finnstrom

Richard “Dick” Finnstrom, a resident of Thousand Oaks, California and a native of Omaha, Nebraska, was born August 10, 1923, and passed away peacefully on October 16, 2014 – 91 years old. He was at home surrounded by family. Richard served his country with valor and distinction as a decorated WWII veteran with the Army Air Corps in the China-Burma-India theatre flying over 60 supply missions over the Himalaya Mountains; earning several medals including the Air Medal, Distinguished Unit Cross and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Tom Brokaw, in his book "The Greatest Generation," wrote of the accomplishments of this unit and said that if it wasn't for the men flying those supplies in horrific weather conditions from India to China, the outcome of the war might have been a different story. After his discharge from the Army, Richard attended the University of Nebraska, graduating in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. During his long career as a civil engineer, he specialized in the design and construction of dams, large diameter tunnels, pipelines, canals and underground hydro-electric power plants. He considered his most important and rewarding work his contribution to the preliminary and final design of the California Aqueduct System, helping to bring a life-line of fresh water to Southern California. Richard was very proud of his immigrant roots. His parents Gustaf and Louise Finnstrom, aunts and uncles were all immigrants from Sweden. In 1954, he moved to Sweden for a year where he met Maj-Britt, his wife of 59 years. They were married on April 16, 1955 in Sundbyberg, Sweden. The time spent with his greater family in Sweden and emerged in the culture was an experience that he considered one of the best in his life. After they were married, Richard and Maj-Britt moved back to the United States and eventually settled in and made Thousand Oaks their home where they raised their family of four children. Richard especially enjoyed watching his children play sports and was very proud that they all attended and graduated from college. In his later years, Richard took a special pride and interest in his six grandchildren. Richard leaves his beloved wife Maj-Britt and is survived by his brother, Edwin Finnstrom and wife (Zora Ann); sister, Jeanette Blair. He is also survived by his son, Erik and wife (Inger); son, Richard and wife (Alice); daughter, Ann-Marie and husband (Brian); daughter, Margaret; 6 grandchildren: Carl Erik Finnstrom, Matthew Compton, Christian Finnstrom, Scott Compton, Monica Finnstrom and Olivia Compton and many nephews and nieces. Memorial services will be held Friday, October 24, 2014 at 2:00pm at Chapel of the Oaks 5600 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village, CA.