George Duncan Finlay Jr.

Dr. George Duncan Finlay Jr., affectionately known as Duncan, passed away peacefully in the early hours of July 25, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on December 12, 1939, in Blountstown, Florida, Duncan went on to build a life marked by compassion, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of others.

A proud alumnus of the University of Florida, Duncan earned both his undergraduate and medical degrees there—and remained a loyal Gator fan throughout his life. After his first year of residency, he served in the United States Air Force as a Captain and Flight Medical Officer. He later returned to finish his second year of residency at Gardy

In 1972, Duncan settled in Sarasota, where he joined the medical firm of Garber, DesPortes and Veazey. practicing Internal Medicine. He also became certified in Pulmonary Medicine, and Sleep Medicine. Duncan played a pivotal role at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in numerous capacities—including Interim President and CEO. His legacy at the hospital is one of leadership, innovation, and deep compassion. He also dedicated his efforts to improving public health through his work on numerous community organizations and boards throughout Sarasota County..

Even after retiring, Duncan’s passion for the continuous improvement in patient care led him to work closely with the Rothman brothers on the Rothman Index, serving as CEO and CMO of Rothman Healthcare Inc., later known as Pera Health.

Outside the medical field, Duncan’s zest for life showed through in his many hobbies. An avid sailor from the day he first met Dr. Bill Kennedy at Sarasota Memorial, Duncan spent countless hours on the water. He was equally enthusiastic about fly fishing, tennis, golf, skiing, photography, duplicate bridge (his tongue-in-cheek “sport”), and cheering on the Gators. Above all, he cherished time spent with his children, grandchildren, and close friends.

Duncan’s generosity of spirit and boundless love touched everyone fortunate enough to know him. His absence leaves a deep void, but his legacy continues through the lives he changed.

He is survived by his wife, Michele Wolk, and sister, Patricia Parham. He was preceded in death by his younger brother, Tom Finlay. Duncan’s children with his first wife Nancy are Pat and Carrie. Pat Finlay, his wife Kelly, and their daughter Esme reside in Maine. Carrie Shores Diller, her husband Jim, and children Devon and James live in California. When Duncan married Michele, her daughter Kaitlyn became like one of his own. Kaitlyn Wolk Reid, her husband Ryan, and their sons Finlay and Webber live in Sarasota.

His memory will also be cherished by nephew Rob Finlay, and nieces Penny Kahn and Betsy Comenderio, along with their families.

A Celebration of Life will be held on the evening of August 23, 2025 at the Sarasota Art Museum, Marcy & Michael Klein Plaza from 5:00 – 7:00.

Gifts can be made to Sarasota Memorial Health Care Foundation for the G. Duncan Finlay Endowed Scholarship Fund online at smhf.org/donate/#donatenow or by mail to SMHF, 1515 S. Osprey, B4, Sarasota, FL 34239