John Finley Obituary

Dearest Pops,



Today would have been your 72nd birthday - only three and a half weeks after your passing. I really wanted to have some flowers placed on your grave, but everyone thought it would be too hard to find under the snow. Therefore, I wanted to write this little note to let you know how much I love and miss you. I think of you all of the time. It is just now starting to sink in that I can no longer pick up the phone and call you whenever I want to hear your voice. I am already missing our bi-monthly talks, and will no longer have anyone to call during football season to complain about our Bears.



I just wanted you to know how much I love you, and how much you meant to me. I am often in situations where I ask myself: "What would Jack do?" - and it's always the right answer. You were a loving, kind, patient and exceptionally affectionate father, and I want to thank you for all of the sacrifices that you made for our family and me. I am truly glad that your suffering is over now, but still can't help think about how wonderful a Grandpa you would have been to your grandchildren.



I also wanted you to know that I looked up to you in so many ways, especially your fearless friendliness. I was constantly amazed at how you could walk up to a complete stranger and make him a friend within minutes. At the wake, several people came up to me and said, "The world was a kinder place with Jack in it!" I hope to perpetuate your life by trying my best to emphasizing those great qualities of you that you have passed on to me. You were truly an amazing person.



I will love and miss you forever, and hope that you are now at peace.



Your loving son,

Michael

Dearest Aunt Sheila and Family,

Daddy called me yesterday to inform me of Uncle Jack's passing and please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers right now. I will ALWAYS remember Uncle Jack's wonderful smile and sense of humor and the gatherings that we had, either in Grayslake or in DeKalb and how very special and wonderful they are -- right now, I imagine mom and Uncle Jack are having quite the "conversation" and just be comforted knowing that he will always be with you and watching over you and keeping you safe.

All my love,

Shelly

Dear Aunt Sheila and Family,

Please accept my most heartfelt sympathy at this most difficult time. Uncle Jack was a wonderful, loving and caring man and held a VERY special place in my heart. Please know, that I will miss him very much, but the memories of him will always be held in my heart.

Michelle (Fogel)Lovell

Dear Sheila, Sharon and family,



Pat and I were so sorry to hear of your loss. Occasionally when I was in the grocery store, I'd see Jack and he was always so cheerful. We'd have a short chat and he'd usually wind up saying something to make me laugh. I also recall those Lions Club candy days when I'd pull up to the stop sign in town and he'd be standing out there and I'd drop a donation in the bucket and once again he would make me smile as I drove away. He obviously had the gift of Irish wit as well as the charm. Pat and I will offer prayers for him and you who will miss him terribly, but will carry on because you have a strong and beautiful family. We are leaving town very early Sunday morning and will be unable to attend the wake, but be assured our thoughts will be with you.

Love and prayers,

Judy and Pat Collins