Obituary of WILLIAM JOHN GRANT FINNIE

WILLIAM JOHN GRANT FINNIE May 6, 1955 - November 20, 2013 Beloved and precious brother of Sandra Meyerson (Joe) and loving uncle of Shauna (Jason) and Paul, it is with great sadness that his family announces his passing at the Seven Oaks Hospital after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer at 58 years of age. Cancer may have taken his life, but it could not take his brave and loving soul or his deep love for his family and friends. Grant is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, his niece, her husband and his nephew. He was predeceased by his parents, father William (Bill) Finnie in 1957 and mother Margery Lois (nee Scott) Finnie in 1996. Grant was born in Winkler, but grew up in Winnipeg. After high school and a series of jobs, he joined the Canadian Infantry (P.P.C.L.I.), where he was stationed in Europe for a time, eventually deciding to leave for civilian life. He moved to Ontario, settling in Ottawa where he worked for the City of Ottawa Transit, driving a bus which transported the disabled and elderly clients of all creeds and cultures. He had found his calling and thoroughly loved his job which he held for over 22 years, leaving only after his terminal diagnosis. A man of simple needs, but strong convictions, he spoke his mind honestly with integrity and wit. He loved discussions on history, world events, philosophy, spirituality and politics. A true humanitarian, he loved all animals, wild and domesticated, having a pet gopher Gertrude at his worksite which he fed and nurtured until her death. We are blessed to have had him in our lives and will miss him terribly. He is now free, at peace and in a good place. A special thanks to Shauna, his niece, for flying into Winnipeg and to his nephew Paul for his constant phone calls; both of them supplying him with their devoted love and support. Tremendous thanks for the excellent and compassionate care he received at the Seven Oaks Hospital, from the doctors and staff on the 4th floor, especially to Dr. Bialy, nurses Chris, Mary Jane, Rhoda and Dabby, and to friends Tibor and Tom, Mark in Ottawa, and work friends Kelly and Christy-Ann, and to all our friends whose love kept us strong. A celebration of Grant's life will be held at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St., Winnipeg (204) 586-8044 on Saturday, November 30, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. Private family burial will take place at a later date.