Funeral Alternatives of Washington

Rickey Lee Finney

Birth: 8/23/1950

Death: 11/2/2009

Interred:

Service Information:
Memorial service and a celebration of Rick’s life on Friday, November 20, 2009, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m, at the Lacey Community Center in Lacey, WashingtonPlease note Corrected Time

Interment:

Visitation Information:

Obituary:

Rickey Lee Finney passed away, November 2, 2009, after a short, courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He died at home surrounded by well wishes and good feelings of everyone who knew him. By his side were his wife, Donna, and his sons, Sean and Jeff. Others, dear to him, were just a phone call away.

Rick was only 59 years of age at passing, born in Olympia, August 23, 1950. Rick was preceded in death by his mother, June (Collins) Thorp and step-father, Wayne Thorp. Rick’s father, Bob Finney, died before Rick was born.

Rick was a fireman for 28 years. He loved his profession and was extremely proud to be a part of such a wonderful and necessary organization. He retired, Lieutenant Rick Finney, in 2007, from the Olympia Fire Department.

Rick loved to go fishing, crabbing, and shrimping. Clam digging was his favorite and he was very good at filling his limit. He loved the sunshine, barbeques, picnics, drinks with friends, playing pulltabs and getting the occasional winner. Rick loved cooking for friends and relatives, shopping for his grand kids, and being his wife’s escort and best friend while enjoying, or dealing with, what life had to offer.

Rick will be sorely missed by his two lap warmers Annabell, a Rat Terrier, and Brutus, a Chihuahua. Rick has called Pepper, a mini-Schnauzer, to his side and she is probably on his lap on the other side. There will be a memorial service and a celebration of Rick’s life on Friday, November 20, 2009, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m, at the Lacey Community Center in Lacey, Washington. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to hospice of your choice.

“So grieve a while for me if grieve you must,
Then let your grief be comforted by our trust.
It’s only for a while that we must part;
So bless the memories within your heart.”

Leave your online memories of Rick and condolences for the family by clicking on the "view guestbook" link below.

Guestbook Entries

Date: 12/3/2009 2:03:21 PM
From: Cathy and Dave Nichols
Message: Dear Donna and Family, Sorry to hear of Rick's passing. I saw you and Rick at Fred Meyers shortly(think it was just a few days) before reading in the paper he had passed. You were in the check out and I was down the other end, but wish I would have taken the time to say Hi. I'm glad for both of you that he was still up and about and carrying on with life until it was time for him. You are in our thoughts. Hope to see you some time. Take care. Your Cousin Cathy

Date: 11/19/2009 9:07:19 PM
From: Rick and Nancy Mayer
Message: Losing dear friends is so very painful, but having them in your life is a great joy....we are very grateful for Rick's friendship...our sympathy and love to his family....

Date: 11/12/2009 7:46:40 PM
From: Mike Kildall
Message: Good bye old friend, I have many great memories of growing up as best of budds. Donna, I wish to extend my sincere sorrow to you and your family. I don't think you know who I am so let me tell you a little about myself. Rick and I met when we were 13 years old and quickly became best of budds. We lived about a mile apart but always found away to hook up and find some trouble. We spent our summers with the Black Lake gang chasing girls (sorry) and finding more trouble. I know, I'm not being fair to Rick and you're right. Rick had a heart of gold and would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. When I moved away at the age of 25 we always managed to keep in touch at least once a year. Then in 1992 when I was at ST. Peters hospital during my mothers final days guess who showed up. Rick not only came to pay his final respects to a mother who adored him but to take a friend away from his grief if only briefly. I am sorry I could never repay the thoughtfulness. God bless Rick and your family.

Date: 11/11/2009 11:27:50 AM
From: Sheri Mounts
Message: Rickey Stickey Bubble Gum, Looking back when I worked at Harry's Cove and the T.I. You would bring friends and I Pecan Pie.Than you gave me the Recipe. And I had to make it for you and our Friends.It was fun times.The good old days!I Always think of you when I make those Pies.You were a GREAT Person!Love you.Donna,Joanne and Family My Thoughts and Prayers are with you.

Date: 11/10/2009 7:19:56 PM
From: Dan & Pam Ward
Message: Rick was such a lover of life! While we didn't see much of him after he left Shelton, we have great memories of our time with him! Our thoughts are with all of you who are his family!

Date: 11/8/2009 11:10:18 AM
From: Kathy Rowland
Message: Donna, this is a blast from your past. So very sorry to hear about your husband, Rick. If I had met him, it was only once a long time ago. He sounded like a very nice man. I'm sorry he left you so soon. Like Zee said, we should get together when you feel like it. I'm also in the phone book. Wishing you better days ahead. Love Kathy

Date: 11/7/2009 11:06:57 AM
From: THS ALUMNI
Message: Looking back in the Annual and the geeky pictures of some of us, I remember you as some one who always colored inside the lines. The rest of us partied on. My sympathies to your Family, you left way to soon.

Date: 11/6/2009 9:00:20 PM
From: Naomi Hargett
Message: We may not understand why you left this earth so soon, or why you left before we were ready to say good-by. Your friend.

Date: 11/6/2009 9:00:19 PM
From: Naomi Hargett
Message: We may not understand why you left this earth so soon, or why you left before we were ready to say good-by. Your friend.

Date: 11/6/2009 7:55:13 PM
From: Kim Koeppen
Message: Such great memories of fun times with Rick - a great smile and always a nice warm hug. You were always so sweet to my kids and a good friend to me - it's amazing how small the world really is and the connections that ended up coming back around again. Thinking of you will always bring a smile to my face. Love and Peace Finney. All the best to those who love you and carry the saddness of your loss.

Date: 11/6/2009 6:12:22 PM
From: Jenny Helland McNamara
Message: June and I have always been very proud of our children and although have been in Crescent City, CA for years want you to know that my feelings are it was time for him to be with those in God's Heaven. My love goes to each and everyone who will be at a loss without Rickey. I am Nina Sturdevant Helland's daughter and June was more like a sister than a cousin. God Bless All, Hugs and Much Love. Jenny

Date: 11/6/2009 2:44:23 PM
From: Kathy Kaimmer
Message: Donna, I am so sorry for your loss. I never knew Rick, just the one time when you introduced him to my mom and me when we ran into you two a year or so ago. You both looked so connected and I know this is a hard time for you, we will keep you in our prayers and hopefully we can get together down the road. I'm just a phone call away if you need someone to talk to, Kathy

Date: 11/5/2009 3:30:32 PM
From: Zee Hill
Message: Rick: I only met you once at Lakefair many years ago.....but you must have been a man of very good taste because you married my friend Donna. Donna: I miss having you to talk to. So sorry this had to be the way I finally catch up with you. I think of you often. Kathy told me about Rickey's passing or I wouldn't have known. Call me sometime.....I'm still in the phone book at the same number. Love you. Zee

Date: 11/5/2009 8:16:15 AM
From: Jennifer Story
Message: Donna, I am so sorry to hear about Rick - I know how close the two of you were. I just wanted to let you know that all of us here at OSPI are thinking of you. I'm so sorry for you and your family - you will be in my thoughts and prayers. --Jennifer

Date: 11/4/2009 8:53:37 PM
From: Robert (Flounder) Cochran
Message: Rick you were a dedicated and compassionate Fire Fighter. When you and i met at Tumwater Fire you taught me how to Fight Fire, care for the sick and injured and instill the desire you had for Fire Fighting. You will be sorely missed by all. I wish your family the best in their time of sorrow. Love you Rick !

Date: 11/4/2009 11:52:28 AM
From: Mike & Jessie Scalf
Message: Friends are friends forwever, and a friend will not say never, cause the welcome will not end. Though it's hard to let you go In the fathers hands I know. That a lifetime not to long....to live as friends. Rick, our dear friend, we will miss you.

Date: 11/4/2009 11:22:57 AM
From: Meagan Collins
Message: I have great memories with you from my childhood Rick, I loved how you would always come by the house in your firetruck! You will be missed but will always be around in memory. My heart goes out to your family during this difficult time, you are all in my heart and thoughts.

Date: 11/4/2009 9:41:29 AM
From: Patricia & Larry Highley
Message: Donna and Family, Larry and I felt heartfelt sadness when we found out about Rick's passing. We our so very lucky to have met him and been a part of his life, and watch him laughing and having a great time with all of his friends, we will miss him telling us when "Happy Hour" was ready to pay. We will miss him greatly. Our sympathy and love go out to you and your family. Patricia & Larry

Date: 11/4/2009 8:44:07 AM
From: John & Jackie Tobosa
Message: Rick, you are much luved and will be missed by all. Donna please know that you are in our thoughts & prayers. May you find comfort in all the wonderful & fun memories you and Rick have shared.

Date: 11/4/2009 6:32:15 AM
From: Bill Schuler
Message: Even though we hadn't seen each other for some time, your Mom and my Mom worked together and my Dad and yours (Wayne) also worked together for years. We did have some fun when we were kids and I am sure we will again. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Date: 11/3/2009 8:15:16 PM
From: Mike Patti
Message: Rick, I enjoyed your friendship through high school and afterwards through the fire service. You were a friend, a brother and a mentor. I enjoyed our many discussions and debates. Donna, I am so sorry for your loss.

Date: 11/3/2009 6:13:39 PM
From: Cousin Pam Keselburg
Message: We will miss Rick at family gatherings, his contagious smile, and his wonderful pecan pies. One of my favorite cousins and a great friend to many.

Date: 11/3/2009 5:00:15 PM
From: Kelly Finney
Message: Love you Rick! You will be missed and never forgotten! Your 3 grandkids will hear the stories, and know what a wonderful person you were. They will always be reminded of all the "special chocolate treats" grandpa always brought them, and where their love for chocolate milk came from!

Date: 11/3/2009 3:49:04 PM
From: Becky Snyder
Message: Rick, thanks for being such a good, kind, caring friend. To Donna and all his family - you are in my prayers.

Date: 11/3/2009 1:36:53 PM
From: Dan and Jan Gudaz
Message: Keeping all of you in our thoughts today and in days to come. Please let us know if we can help in anyway.