Ronald James Finlay

  • Ronald James Finlay
  • Date of Passing: February 17, 2025
  • Born: April 28, 1958

Obituary

I am heart broken to announce the passing of Ronald James Finlay on February 17, 2025 at the St. Boniface Hospital. Ron passed away in my arms after a brief but painful battle with Necrotizing Fasciitis. (Flesh Eating Disease) I would like to express my gratitude to St. Boniface Hospital, to the Doctors, Nurses of E2 Medical/ Surgical Intensive Care Unit for the compassion shown to Ron and myself up to the time of his passing. I would also like the let Rick Riemer know Ron cherished his friendship and support.

~ Rosemarie Sawchuk

The following obituary was written by Ron in the event of his passing.

Ron Finlay, 66, has been Promoted to Glory. Mr. Finlay’s adult life was spent entirely in Downtown, Winnipeg from July 1975 until his passing. His education, social life, and work was spent in Downtown Winnipeg which he loved very much.

Mr. Finlay was born a few miles from Downtown Winnipeg on April 28, 1958. Early life was a happy time in Stonewall, Manitoba. Followed at age 14 with a few of the happiest years of his life in Pinawa, Manitoba. Followed by an interesting year in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. From 1975 he chose to make his home the place that captivated him as he visited it as a child, Downtown Winnipeg.

Ron had what he described as the world’s most wonderful relationship with his partner of 32 years Rosemarie Sawchuk. He would say, “we never had an argument beyond she says cherry pie is best even though I prefer apple pie myself.”

Ron was grateful to Rosemarie’s brother Terry Sawchuk for caring for Rosemarie when she required double knee replacement surgery, performed during a single operation. Rosemarie never once complained about the pain she endured.

There was never a missed opportunity by Ron to thank his parents John and Helen Finlay for helping him attend university. Likewise, his brothers, Ray, Dave, and Al who were very much loved by him.

Ron had many interests in life. He was a true Winnipegger and followed the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the Winnipeg Jets, and the Winnipeg Goldeyes. His interests went well beyond sports. Ron was a lifelong political science student and graduated with Honours in politics from the university of Winnipeg. Besides talking about politics Ron had been a Big Brother for many years and regarded it as one of the most positive experiences of his life.

In closing, it was said by Ron that he never shook his believe in heaven, not for a moment from the time he stood in the United Church as a small child and sang ” Jesus Loves Me.” Until his last breath on Earth.

A private celebration of life will be held at a future date.

Funeral Details

Arrangements