Fr. Donald Francis Finlay, CSB

Fr. Donald Francis Finlay, CSB, B.A., S.T.B., M.L.S., died peacefully after a long illness at Presentation Manor in Scarborough, the retirement home for priests of the Congregation of St. Basil. He was 88 years old. Born on June 6, 1936 in Toronto, he was son of the late Francis Finlay and Jesse Taylor. Fr. Finlay is survived by his brother John (Dale), his nephews John Jr. (Linda) and Paul (Caroline), niece Jennifer (Christopher Sr.,) and grand-nephews Christopher Jr, Matthew, Justin and Tyler. Donald attended St. Anthony grade school and St. Michael’s College School in Toronto. He taught in the Toronto Separate Schools for two years and entered the Basilian Fathers Novitiate in Richmond Hill, in 1957, professing first vows in 1958. He attended Assumption University in Windsor, Ontario, graduating in 1960. He then began his secondary school teaching, at Michael Power High School in Etobicoke. Donald pursued theological studies for the priesthood, graduating from the University of St. Michael’s College. Ordained to the priesthood in St. Basil’s Church in 1965, he was in the vanguard of new priests at the time of the historic Second Vatican Council. He received his M.L.S. from Rosary College in River Forest, IL in 1967. Fr. Finlay spent most of his priestly ministry in the University Apostolate, serving first as Head Librarian at the Pontifical Institute of Medieval Studies and later at the Kelly Library at the University of St. Michael’s College. For many years, he celebrated the noonday mass at St. Basil’s Church and was greatly appreciated by the faithful who attended that liturgy. During his years on the university campus, Fr. Finlay also generously served his religious congregation as local superior of several Basilian communities. At the university, he was sought after as a treasured mentor, friend, advisor and counselor to many colleagues and students whose marriages he blessed, children he baptized and friendships he cherished until the end of his life. Fr. Finlay also took great pride in his ministry as Chaplain of Magistral Grace of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. An ordained priest for 60 years and a professed religious for 67 years, Fr. Finlay embodied the Basilian motto of “Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge” in all that he was and all that he did for others. Visitation will take place on Saturday morning, April 12, 2025, beginning at 9:00 am at Presentation Manor Residence for Seniors, 61 Fairfax Crescent, Scarborough. The Mass of Christian Burial follows at 10:30 in the Chapel of Presentation Manor. Burial will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Thornhill. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome in Fr. Finlay’s memory to the Basilian Fathers Retirement Fund, 360 Davenport Road, Toronto, ON M5R 1K6.