We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Charles Henry “Charlie” Finnie (Ret'd) of Kenton, MB on 2 March 2013 at the age of 93 years.
Charlie was born in Elphinstone MB. He joined the Army in Winnipeg early in the Second World War and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers in Northwest Europe. After building barracks, airfields, bridges, roads and more, in England, Charlie landed on D-Day, battling through France, Belgium, and Holland into Germany. After the war, Charlie worked in mines in Red Lake ON. After he married Helen Brown from Claresholm AB, he bought a farm near Kenton MB through the Veterans' Land Act. There, they raised raised their family.
Charlie involved himself in many community events. He was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #118 in Kenton, with 66 years service. He served on many committees, including poppy campaigns, Remembrance Day and bonspiels. As President, Treasurer, and Secretary, he attended many meetings and conventions including Dominion level.
A service to celebrate Charlie’s life will be held at the Kenton United Church on 7 March at 2:00 p.m. A reception will follow at the Kenton Memorial Hall. A private family interment will take place at a later date at the Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charlie’s memory to the Royal Canadian Legion Kenton Branch #118, Kenton United Church Memorial Fund, Kenton Community Enterprises, or to a charity of one’s choice.
