STUART TERRANCE FINCH

Condolences & Memories (23 entries)

• I met Stu when I was about 22, I think he was about 35. I worked for him for 10 years all over the province of Manitoba, mostly in Winnipeg decorating Christmas lights and painting street lights. He was a truly amazing friend and mentor right from the first time we met. He had a unstoppable belief in being positive and moving forward. I have never ever met a man who always treated me and all others he met, with respect, kindness and patience and love. Full stop. He loved his kids Patrick and Hillary so very much, I remember how hard he tried to provide, while we traipsed around all over the half acre working, scrounging, though Val tried to put him through the ringer financially, he just wouldn't stop being the amazing beautiful soul that he was. He loved and revered his mother, brother and dear father (rcmp ?) I can remember so much upheaval from those days, yet Stu always kept his chin up and persevered. He liked to make bread sometimes, drive trucks and back country roads, and playing those fnn vlt's. Turned out we grew up on Laxdal a couple doors down. I don't know what to say, I am deeply saddened for I have never met a more loyal man, loyal to so many great friends, who loved to dance country, make photos, laugh, eat McDonalds, drink beer, sometimes whiskey and make happy memories. I miss him with all my heart. Miles - Posted by: Miles M. (Friend ) on: Mar 19, 2019

• I only just today learned of Stu's passing, exactly 1.5 years later. I am in complete shock. Although I had known Stu for a good length of time, we had completely lost touch as the years flew so quickly by. I first met Stuart in 1977 when as kids we both worked at McDonald's. Back then we shared many common interests and enjoyed many activities together. Over the years our interests diverged and during the past 17 years or so we had not stayed in touch. Stu often crossed my mind, and periodically as the years passed I made perfunctory efforts at locating him. Each time though, it was to no avail - be it through Facebook, Twitter, the phone book etc. Earlier today I made one more attempt, this time Googling the phrase "Stuart Finch Photography", thinking that surely he must be continuing to actice the craft that he was so especially gifted at somewhere - probably in southern Manitoba. The results of my search pointed me here - the most unlikely and undesirable places that I had expected to "find" Stu. I'm in disbelief, especially now knowing that he's been gone for a year-and-a-half. Stu, you made a quite impression. I didn't know that I would never see you again. Your unique infectious laugh and your genuine love of people are indelibly etched. I'm so sorry that we had not stayed in touch. Farewell my old friend. My memories of the good times that we shared "back then" will be cherished as long as I am here. My life was made that much richer having had you as part of it. - Posted by: Jeff Bergal (Old friend) on: Jun 02, 2015

• Our sincere condolences to the Finch family on the lost of a truly remarkable person, our friend Stuart. We have known Stuart for over 25 years and considered him a true friend and business partner. He could be counted on, without hesitation, to help us whenever needed. Stuart contributed to the success of our photography business over the years. He will be greatly missed. Take care. Sincerely, - Posted by: Marcia and Warren Ginter (Business Associates and Best Friends) on: Dec 10, 2013

• My condolences to family and friends of Stuart. Until we meet again, Godspeed. - Posted by: Shayne Lewis (friend) on: Dec 06, 2013

• Ileana, Kathy and Lou and of course Hillary and Patrick, I can't express in words how sorry I am for loss. Of course this goes to all his family and friends a few that I know but many I haven't met. Yet we all have our stories and happy moments spent with Stu. As now I live far away, our story is one where we have drifted away a number of years ago. Yet the memories still linger and will for a long time. - Posted by: Cliff Mertick (Friend) on: Dec 06, 2013

• I was shocked when I heard the news of Stu's much too early passing! Stu and I were best friends in high school in Winnipeg and we worked together at McDonalds for two years. We consumed a lot of Big Macs, drank a few too many beers and shared a lot of laughs together! Stu had a big heart, a hearty laugh and a love of life. I am sure he is missed by many. Stu, I will never forget our times together. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Rob - Posted by: Robert Casey (High School Friend) on: Dec 05, 2013

• A true friend, through and through. He was there when you needed a hand, no questions asked. - Posted by: Len Phillips (Frien) on: Dec 05, 2013

• As I sit, surrounded by pictures of Stu, (crying tears of loss, mixed with tears of laughter). I am flooded with 37 years of wonderful memories of a teenage Stu I met at 14 while working at McDonalds. We became inseparable from that point forward. He was my best friend, confidant, big brother, protector, travel partner, wingman and part of my family (who also loved him.. who didn't?). Memories of parties and underage nights at the Grant Hotel. From antique car to van (of course with a bed) to Cadillacs. Our trip to Miami in 1986 for an Amway convention which took us on a fun journey to Cape Canaveral to the tip of the Keys c/w the helicopter ride he forced this girl terrified of heights to go on. His days working as Santa at the Mall, to many photo sessions which started as an urgent call "I need a "face" Deb"! He was a stellar photographer. Not to mention his attempt at creating jewelry, where he made me a 1 carat "diamond" friendship ring...and laughing his usual hysterical belly laugh when I went to insure it (his description of "it's a low grade diamond Deb" turned out to be a Zircon.. when would I learn that Stu just had a comical way of twisting the truth, that just made you love him more. He saved me from many a bad relationship and his sleeve was the recipient of many of my tears. He always gave the best hugs and made me belly laugh as he got revenge for someone that scorned me, by urinating on the door handle of the guy's car in 30 below weather! He was the best friend a girl could have! Stu was the honorary "Hunky Stu" at our yearly "Perogie and Kahlua Party", he made the best perogies. He taught me to ballroom dance, two step and line dance, the Palomino Club will never forget us. He was known for his monogrammed shirts. I still have the Monogram shirt he gifted me...monogrammed "PMS". (The cheeky brat). One of our fav things to do was to confuse all his friends as to whether we were "ever involved".. he especially got giggles from that. I would play along, it was the biggest belly laugh he and I shared.. because although we loved each other unconditionally it never happened. There are so many more memories.. too much to share. I will cherish them all deeply. I watched this beautiful man, who I adored, grow from a teenager to a wonderful, generous to a fault, huge hearted man and loving father. He lived life LARGE, never bothering with the negative, I learned so much from Stu and am so grateful he played such an integral part of my life...forever I will be grateful to him...I will hold him dearly in my heart forever. I love you Stu...Play LARGE in Paradise my dear friend.....Debs - Posted by: Debra Leitch (Best Friend ) on: Dec 05, 2013

• My Sincere Condolences to Stuart's family and friends. Much much too young my friend, Rest in Peace. - Posted by: Lorie Halldorson (friend) Lundar (Friend) on: Dec 05, 2013

• I would never have met my husband if it wasn't for mutual friends through Stuart. I will always be grateful for those earlier times together. Condolences to Stu's family. - Posted by: Nancy Melnychuk (Firend) on: Dec 05, 2013

• A laugh I will never forget. Stu was a great team mate and he always had your back, great memories from all those times playing and hanging out at Varsity View Community Club. - Posted by: Ernie Keller (Childhood friend) on: Dec 05, 2013

• Sincere condolences to Stu's family and friends. I am very saddened to hear of Stu's passing at such a young age. We have lots of fun memories of growing up in Lundar and Winnipeg with the gang. So long my friend, rest in peace. - Posted by: Val Erickson (friend) on: Dec 04, 2013

• I had the grest pleasure of meeting Stu a few years ago and spent many family occssions wirh Eva, Stu and families. We always shared many laughs and good company. Hugs to Evs and condolances to all of the family. - Posted by: Janice (extended family) on: Dec 04, 2013

• As kids I always remember awaiting the arrival of our cousins, my Mother's brother and family, from the far away province of Manitoba - we lived in Bowmanville, Ontario. Stuart was my age so we chummed around and enjoyed these rare visits. Uncle Ed, Aunt Ilena, Lou, Kathy along with Stuart and other Finch family aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents would often head off to some trailer park/campground to spend quality time. Filling our days with swimming, fishing, campfires, kids play and re-acquainting ourselves again. I had the chance to visit the family in Winnipeg a few years back and it was great to see them all again. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. - Posted by: Brad Brooks (Cousin) on: Dec 04, 2013

• Although in recent years Stuart and I did not see much of each other, he was a lifelong friend. We had many adventures together, and some of my best memories are fishing with Stu at Waterhen. Rest in peace, my friend. Sincere condolences to Stu's family and friends. - Posted by: Larry Johnson (Friend) on: Dec 04, 2013

• Sorry for your loss Ileana. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. As duty calls, but I will be thinking of you all on Thursday. Condolence. - Posted by: Sharon (Friend of Ileana) on: Dec 04, 2013

• I was just thinking of Stuart a few weeks ago as we looked through our wedding photos. I remember how Stuart was a true entrepreneur and always had a passion for trying something new and different. A few years back as I walked along in downtown Wpg. I was surprised to see Stu high in the air putting up Christmas lights and enjoyed a quick chat catching up him. Rest in peace old friend. Kind regards to the Finch family - Posted by: Aron & Barb Shapiro (Friends/former co worker from McDonalds.(now living in Calgary)) on: Dec 03, 2013

• Just sending our condolences to the family of Stu as we used to call him! We met him through Harold Langrell and also our friend Eva and then we met his children Patrick and Hilary and stepdaughters Jas and India We always had a great time with Stu and did a lot of stuff in the yard at Harold's place and we could always remember him with a nice laugh and of course I can't forget his pipe he always carried with him!! Gone but not forgotten, as we look to this Christmas Season we will always look to the sky as he will be lighting lights up there when you see the glowing stars!! Mark and Lala Lecoq - Posted by: Mark and Clarisse Lecoq- Spruce Home Saskatchewan (Friends ) on: Dec 03, 2013

• My sincere condolences to Stuart's Family, and sister Kathy. We had fun as youngsters in Lundar at the RCMP station where you lived. Dee Dee, Stuart and others. I haven't seen Stuart since then, I am glad to see your picture, you look as you did then. Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again... - Posted by: Alvin Chartrand (childhood friends) on: Dec 03, 2013

• I met Stu for the first time a few years ago but in the short time that I got to know him I am very blessed. He was a good man with always a smile on his face. Willing to help someone in need and listened to what you had to say. Your memory will be cherished Stu, one of a kind. A man who will be missed by many who he won the hearts of. My deepest condolences go out to Eva, Patrick, Hillary and family. **HUGS** - Robert (Beej) - Posted by: Robert Baldwin (Friend) on: Dec 03, 2013

• My deepest sympathies to Eva, Patrick and Hillary, family and friends. I have fond memories of a Christmas dinner where I had the privilege of being seated next to Stu. He was warm and jovial and a very entertaining host. - Posted by: Beth (Extended family friend) on: Dec 03, 2013

• Stu, you will be so sadly missed, you were our friend for over 20 years. You touched so many people with your kindness, your laughter, and just you being you. Your memories will be cherished today, tomorrow and always. My fondest memory was just before Valentines day a few years back u pulled into my yard, and I was not home but Jeff was and you put up amazing heart shaped lights. They were shining ever so brightly when I got home, everyone around asked where's u get that. And all we could say was sno-lights. I was so amazed, a memory I will cherish along with you decorating our huge tree. The most treasured is your wonderful talents of taking our wedding pictures, you made them so memorable. You will be so missed. Today, tomorrow and always. Rest in peace my friend, rest in peace. Eva, Hillary, and Patrick our deepest condolences. He was an awesome man. - Posted by: Kathy & Jeff (Close friends ) on: Dec 03, 2013

• Stu and I were old friends. We went to school together in Lundar. Be happy in your new life Stu. You will be missed by many. My sympathies to your family. Dee - Posted by: Diane (Dee-Dee) Trudel Bernhard ( friend) on: Dec 03, 2013