Sunday, August 14, 2005
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Dad's obituary will be in the Houston Chronicle for 30 days. I think if you copy the following starting at the http and ending at the number then paste it into your "address" window, it will take you to the obituary.
http://www.legacy.com/houstonchronicle/LegacySubPage2.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=14737219
http://www.legacy.com/houstonchronicle/LegacySubPage2.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=14737219
My father, John C. Finney, died Aug. 3, 2005. This is the eulogy my brother Paul Finney wrote for him and delivered at his funeral mass Aug. 6, 2005 at St. John Vianney in Houston.
____________________________________________________________
In his book The Greatest Generation, journalist Tom Brokaw wrote:
“They came of age during the Great Depression and the Second World War and went on to build modern America – men and women whose everyday lives of duty, honor, achievement, and courage gave us the world we have today.”
Since my father was a “card carrying member” of that greatest generation,
Tom Brokaw’s words apply so directly to my Dad’s life: born at home on Friday the 13th, raised in the 20’s and 30’s, educated by a world war, and then by Tulane University, and a career engineer who helped design America’s energy infrastructure from the 1950’s thru the ‘70’s. Much more so, however, what has gathered today in this sanctuary – his faith, his family, and his friends – are the reasons we are celebrating his wonderful life.
It is interesting to note that Dad follows into eternity two men whom he admired for very different reasons: Pope John Paul II, and comedian Johnny Carson. The former a symbol of Dad’s deep devotion and commitment to his faith; while the latter reminds us of Dad’s dry wit which was forever spiced with his enjoyment of a corny joke.
A few John Finneyism’s we will never forget:
A place for everything, and everything in its place;
And delivered with deadpan expression, but always in jest:
“When are you gonna pay me what you owe me?”
This is especially funny since “Selfless” is a word often used to describe dad. He gave it all to his family and faith, and absolutely never expected anything in return. This was true even in his last hours……Dad's last thoughts – expressed while in the hospital - were not about dying, but about his concern for Mom being alone in the house. To be sure, the closeness and unending support our family has for one another – among siblings, cousins, in-laws, aunts and uncles - is evidence that dad’s selflessness will be the hallmark of his legacy.
But Dad did indeed receive in return - foremost of which was the love and devotion of his wife of nearly 63 years. My mom, Doris….Dad’s lifelong love; together they raised six kids over most of five decades. And the family now includes 10 grandchildren who range in age from 32 years to 19 months.
The following are the words of my uncle Alex Finney:
“A farewell toast to an Officer, and a Gentleman;
a scholar;
a kind, considerate husband and father
---- And the best brother one could hope for.
Brother fought the good fight, and kept the faith --I won't be the only one
to miss him terribly---Godspeed until we meet again."
John Finney – you lived, you loved, and you laughed…and you showed us the value of all three.
To paraphrase a Finney family birthday song:
Daddio was a jolly good fellow….and it is this that nobody can deny.
____________________________________________________________
In his book The Greatest Generation, journalist Tom Brokaw wrote:
“They came of age during the Great Depression and the Second World War and went on to build modern America – men and women whose everyday lives of duty, honor, achievement, and courage gave us the world we have today.”
Since my father was a “card carrying member” of that greatest generation,
Tom Brokaw’s words apply so directly to my Dad’s life: born at home on Friday the 13th, raised in the 20’s and 30’s, educated by a world war, and then by Tulane University, and a career engineer who helped design America’s energy infrastructure from the 1950’s thru the ‘70’s. Much more so, however, what has gathered today in this sanctuary – his faith, his family, and his friends – are the reasons we are celebrating his wonderful life.
It is interesting to note that Dad follows into eternity two men whom he admired for very different reasons: Pope John Paul II, and comedian Johnny Carson. The former a symbol of Dad’s deep devotion and commitment to his faith; while the latter reminds us of Dad’s dry wit which was forever spiced with his enjoyment of a corny joke.
A few John Finneyism’s we will never forget:
A place for everything, and everything in its place;
And delivered with deadpan expression, but always in jest:
“When are you gonna pay me what you owe me?”
This is especially funny since “Selfless” is a word often used to describe dad. He gave it all to his family and faith, and absolutely never expected anything in return. This was true even in his last hours……Dad's last thoughts – expressed while in the hospital - were not about dying, but about his concern for Mom being alone in the house. To be sure, the closeness and unending support our family has for one another – among siblings, cousins, in-laws, aunts and uncles - is evidence that dad’s selflessness will be the hallmark of his legacy.
But Dad did indeed receive in return - foremost of which was the love and devotion of his wife of nearly 63 years. My mom, Doris….Dad’s lifelong love; together they raised six kids over most of five decades. And the family now includes 10 grandchildren who range in age from 32 years to 19 months.
The following are the words of my uncle Alex Finney:
“A farewell toast to an Officer, and a Gentleman;
a scholar;
a kind, considerate husband and father
---- And the best brother one could hope for.
Brother fought the good fight, and kept the faith --I won't be the only one
to miss him terribly---Godspeed until we meet again."
John Finney – you lived, you loved, and you laughed…and you showed us the value of all three.
To paraphrase a Finney family birthday song:
Daddio was a jolly good fellow….and it is this that nobody can deny.
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