Several years ago I volunteered to visit and read to a senior whose great love of reading was becoming difficult for him because of his failing eyesight and hearing. I was told: “he's also a poet”. As I, too, love reading and poetry, I agreed in an instant.  Thus began a beautiful friendship as Archie and I proceeded to share Monday afternoons together – reading (books, as well as “proofreading” his daily journals and poems, typed by him on his little Smith Corona portable) chatting, learning (I learned about hockey and became a Canucks fan, while I was able to introduce Archie to the delights of internet research – “ask Dr. Google this” became our inside joke!) and sharing the ups and downs of each other's lives.  Almost always, our afternoon would end with a drive to the Blenz coffee shop on Lonsdale, where I never had to tell any of our baristas how Archie liked his coffee – they knew him well, and the large mug with a double squirt of vanilla syrup was usually already poured by the time I reached the front of the line.  Oh how I will miss those Mondays and that wonderful friendship.  I was so very lucky to be able to share Archie's final years – his best years – and I will cherish the memories.  Yes, Archie, I'm sure there IS a Blenz in heaven!    Much love, Sue

It was clear when first meeting Archie at a Seniors' Hub get-together at Churchill House such a short time ago that he was a very special man. He amazed us with his quick mind, his wide and accurate knowledge, his wit. He often would create poems for special occasions and such was the case on 28 July 2012, when a poem he wrote about his birthday was presented on its very day. We were all delighted to hear it. As events turned out it was to be his last poem and his last birthday.
Our heartfelt sympathy for his family.
He will live on in our thoughts and memories.     Robin Denton

Archie was a very special person. He loved reading and poetry. He never forgot anything that he read and could recall it instantly. I first me Archie and Doreen in 1970 at Tene's house. I knew all the children except Naomi who went to be with our Lord before I met them. Archie lived a good, long life and deserves his reward in Glory which he looked forward to all his life.

I can not come to the service because I live too far away to come on one days notice. I extend my deepest sympahies to the family of whom I count among my friends.

Mike Kinnie  (Ken)

First Memorial Funeral Services

William Finlayson

immediate need

Death has occurred or is near

plan ahead

Pre-plan a funeral or cremation

Plan a Funeral or Cremation Default Desktop

Find Obituaries and Services

sympathy and etiquette

grief library

celebrations of life

What to Say When Someone Dies

Show Your Support

Sympathy and Grief

obituary

services

memories

Obit Detail

In the care of

share to facebook

share by email

share link

Share Obituary

ideas and resources

Sympathy and Grief Mobile

OBITUARY

Mr. William Archibald Finlayson

July 28, 1918 – August 3, 2012

First Memorial Funeral Services & Boal Chapel and Memorial Gardens

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services