Birth date: Feb 17, 1951 Death date: Nov 11, 2003
Thomas O. Finney 2/17/1951 Â- 11/11/2003Thomas O. Finney was taken suddenly from a family who loved him dearly. He is survived by his brothers Wally (Peggy) Finney of Lakewood, Ernie (Irene) Finney of Villa Park, IL, Bob (Violet) Read Obituary
He was a great friend of my new friend David Donhoff. I offer my sincere heart felt wishes he spends all his days in Heaven.##imported-begin##Peter Samuel Cugno##imported-end##
I came to know Tom through Dave Donhoff, one of Tom's close friends in the Northwest. Tom's kindness, generosity came in a quiet manor when we did not even know much about him... I am saddned that Dave and I lost one of the best friends and the world lost another kind gentle soul, yet comforted to know that Tom left us with his dream that a new exciting life was ahead of him with his new found passion and friends in the Northwest... Tom will be deeply missed in our hearts.##imported-begin##Joanne Wilson##imported-end##
Ohhhh, Tom! Although I didn't see you often, I miss you already. Tom and I met on the phone, doing business, he in Wheaton, I in Oregon. It was three years before we met in person while I was flying around the country and happened to have a lay over at O'Hare. Tom met me at the airport on three different stop overs to share a meal or glass of wine, talk about investing, real estate, or life in general. I'll miss his unmistakable voice on the phone and his easy laugh.##imported-begin##Julie Hart##imported-end##
I am honored to have had the chance to get to know Tom and was not at all surprised to discover he had the same special magic about him as his brother, Wally. Tom was an instant friend. Even my two boys, ages 2 and 4, immediately attached themselves to Tom and we all had a fun weekend together sharing stories. Tom's quick and unannounced departure will never make sense but the lesson is very clear - nothing is certain, especially tomorrows. Wally and family - you are in my thoughts and prayers.##imported-begin##Lesa Berdoy##imported-end##
It seems that Tom & I met generations ago, and yet just yesterday all at the same time. It reminds me of a quote by Richard Bach from his book Illusions,
"The bond
that links your true family
is not one of blood, but
of respect and joy in
each other's life.
Rarely do members
of one family grow up
under the same
roof.
Tom and I met initially as business associates in finance & investments, and grew to be great friends. I've been both inspired and humbled in his strength of character in times of great difficulty. Such times that would have destroyed the spirit "of mere mortals" seem to have brought introspection & reflection to Tommy... only to have him absorb the blow and roll forward with lessons & wisdom gained.
When Tom pulled up his Chicago roots & rolled his life Westward to start afresh he never seemed to fear, or look backwards. He always seemed to look at each day as an crisp, new adventure... like a kid the very first time at a zoo, or a park.
I know Tom was pretty excited about getting out in the daylight, rolling up his sleeves and helping Wally really create a significant construction business. On the side, Tommy & I were conspiring in the off-hours & weekends to custom-design a market trading program we were intending to use to become filthy rich & escape to tropical places.
In fact, Tommy & I had just had a software-design meeting Saturday morning before he passed. I believe, looking back now, that the message of his enthusiasm (the Latin root of "enthusiasm" which is, of course, "the beingness with God") was important in relationship with his very soon departure. His message was clear (to me,) "hold nothing back, for today is your day, and use it fully right now!"
I miss him dearly... and yet even in my sorrow I remember & imagine what he would be thinking were he sitting next to me about this whole thing. I feel like he is even now tapping me on the shoulder reminding me to "remember the lessons!"
Another Bach quote that seems to fit;
The mark of your ignorance is the depth
of your belief in injustice and tragedy.
What the catepillar calls the end of the world,
the master calls a butterfly.
Tommy would certainly be one Master who recognizes the butterfly! As just another yet-earthbound caterpillar, I'll miss Tom Finney greatly!##imported-begin##Dave Donhoff##imported-end##
I knew Tommy from spin class. I didnt know him well - just to say "hi" and chit chat. I am sorry I didnt know him better. Tommy was friendly and always had a smile on his face. He was so energetic! We looked forward to seeing him in class because he was so motivating. Tommy will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and kittys##imported-begin##Penny Swalling##imported-end##
To the Finney family Tommy was a great guy,which is a great way to be remembered, I will miss him, as a friend who left us way to early.##imported-begin##Jim Blackmore##imported-end##
I can hear Tom say "Hey Long! You missed the opportunity with the spin class today...Where were you?" I asked "Hi Tom, did you enjoy it?" He said "Oh Yeah! Every minute of it...I'll see you next time...I am going to lift weights now...Have a good workout" Oh Yeah! He kicks butt on the bike!!! Everything he does, he wants to do it well and be his best at each moment. That's how I want to remember my role model.
Tom is quiet and peaceful but he is well connected with the people around him. There were days that I came back from Seattle, tired... BUT HOW CAN YOU BE TIRED WHEN YOU SEE TOM CRANK HIS BIKE?...Or seing his friendly smile to let you know that we are all out and GET A GOOD WORKOUT.
TOM:
I will miss you for who you are...
I will miss your friendly smile...
I will miss following your hard work...
I will miss you for giving me friendly advice...in the locker room.
I will remember cherish the quality time...that I once have...##imported-begin##Long Duong##imported-end##
I didn't know Tommy well, but he was always so happy and friendly in spin class each week. I was blessed to have spent 15 minutes sitting on the steps at the gym with him prior to class the day he passed. He talked about his move out here and the outdoor adventures of his brother Wallly. I am glad we had that time to get to know each other better. It was so shocking for all of us, he seemed so healthy and full of life. I am thankful that he went quickily, I don't think he ever knew what happened or suffered any pain. My thoughts are with the family, I am so very sorry.##imported-begin##Jan Schwenger##imported-end##
Tom was one who deeply cared about others. He was 110% in his care for others as well as in his fitness & work.
We were privilaged to have him in our men's small group Bible study & he always came w/ well thought out Bible references to the text at hand. We've missed him since he moved from Wheaton.##imported-begin##Steven Carlson##imported-end##
