Vernon Jay Finch
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Vernon Jay Finch

  • June 9, 1927 - February 20, 2011
  • Santaquin, Utah
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Memories & Candles

“I am so overwhelmed in learning of the loss of this great man! He was always there as my Bishop and at the same time, High School Principal, so he...Read More » ”
1 of 32 | Posted by: Lori Ethrington Hansen - Elsinore, UT

“I am Harold and Elaine Patten's daughter, Patricia. I just became aware of Vernon's passing. Please accept my sincere condolences and sympathy at his...Read More » ”
2 of 32 | Posted by: Patricia Patten Cowley - UT

“Dear Finch Family, I was saddened when I seen that President Finch had passed away. I know that after his Stroke he was not able to be his usual...Read More » ”
3 of 32 | Posted by: Wilma Frisby Carlsen - Payson, UT

“Dear Sister Finch and family, We read with sadness of the passing of Pres. Finch. He was such a loving, warm person he will be missed. We...Read More » ”
4 of 32 | Posted by: Roger and Penny Bushman - UT

“Dear Sister Finch and family, We read with sadness of the passing of Pres. Finch. He was such a loving, warm person he will be missed. We...Read More » ”
5 of 32 | Posted by: Roger and Penny Bushman - UT

“Dear Sister Finch & Family, Please accept our condolences for President Finch's passing. He was our stake president while we lived in Payson. We...Read More » ”
6 of 32 | Posted by: Douglas & Maisie Sakaguchi - Orem, UT

“I will always remember your increbly beautiful voice and the talent you had with bringing joy to the lives of many through your singing. God Bless,...Read More » ”
7 of 32 | Posted by: Louis Jay Finch - Orem, UT

“My parents will be so glad to see Brother Finch in the Spirit World. He and Kathleen and family were wonderful neighbors to us. What a blessing to...Read More » ”
8 of 32 | Posted by: Geneil Gardner Ballentine Beijing

“I think back to the years at high school. It was my opportunity to know the singers and on occasion to play for them .A great family with outstanding...Read More » ”
9 of 32 | Posted by: paul Christensen - slc , UT

“I think back to the years at high school. It was my opportunity to know the singers and on occasion to play for them .A great family with outstanding...Read More » ”
10 of 32 | Posted by: paul Christensen - slc , UT

“I wanted to send heartfelt condolences to the entire Finch Family on behalf of myself (Barb), my Mom (Hazel), Joan, Gary, and Rick. There are so many...Read More » ”
11 of 32 | Posted by: Barbara Wignall Martinson - CA

“To the Vernon Finch Family: I have many good memories of Vernon while I was a teen ager. He and his family were wonderful examples to me. I will...Read More » ”
12 of 32 | Posted by: Colleen Sperry Smith - Holladay, UT

“LIke many of the others, I have known and loved the Finch family for a long time. Deon, thanks for letting me be your friend. And yes, the Finch...Read More » ”
13 of 32 | Posted by: lynette zeeman - Payson, UT

“Dear family- I was saddened to hear about your loss. Vernon was Indeed-a great person, who will be missed by so many! I have such fond memories...Read More » ”
14 of 32 | Posted by: Anna Lee Greenhalgh - Orangeville, UT

“We cannot feel life's losses without first feeling the blessings of its fullness. It has been a blessing to us to have known Vernon and the Finch...Read More » ”
15 of 32 | Posted by: Linda Wilson Renzello - Payson, UT

“Dear Family, Your husband and father was a friend to all. I seem to have known him all of my life, and never have I known a more caring and kind...Read More » ”
16 of 32 | Posted by: Jennie Ruth Alvey - Santaquin, UT

“Dear Kathleen and Family, We wish to extend our sincere sympathy to you in Vernon's passing. We were very surprised to read of his death. He was...Read More » ”
17 of 32 | Posted by: Gordon & Roberta Smith - UT

“Your family has been an enjoyable part of my life. May you feel love and comfort from the Lord! Sharil Christensen Holt ”
18 of 32 | Posted by: Sharil Christensen Holt - UT

“What wonderful memories I will always have of beautiful singing at my wedding,a smiling warm face with a gentle laugh, a receptive ear to any subject...Read More » ”
19 of 32 | Posted by: Marsha Ann Bray Brendlinger - CO

“Dear Finch family, What wonderful memories I and so many others have of Vernon and his brothers singing together. West Ward would not have been the...Read More » ”
20 of 32 | Posted by: Ursula Wayman - Saratoga Springs, UT

“I was saddened to hear of the loss of your husband and father. I have great memories of him as my shop teacher in Jr. High School, and of knowing...Read More » ”
21 of 32 | Posted by: David Decker - Springville, UT

“It was my great pleasure to visit with Vernon Finch on a weekly basis as a small part of the Alpha Omega Hospice team! What a great man! What an...Read More » ”
22 of 32 | Posted by: Dr. John Garrett

“The Finch Family...what can I say but what lovely and special people you are! Not just mayself but my momma Neta Miller thought and think so much of...Read More » ”
23 of 32 | Posted by: Jean Christensen - Payson, UT

“Please accept my sincere sympathy in the passing of this very good man. It seems I've known him my entire life, and have admired him all of that time...Read More » ”
24 of 32 | Posted by: Roger Hiatt - Genola, UT

“I knew Bro and Sister Finch when I served in the Provo Temple. He was always so kind and friendly. I cherish my memories of him and his sweet wife. ”
25 of 32 | Posted by: Dottie Roper - Gilbert, AZ

“brent, karin and i were sorry to hear of your dads passing. our thoughts and prayers are with your family. ”
26 of 32 | Posted by: richard singleton - spanish fork, UT

“Max and Family, We are sorry to hear about your loss. We remember your Dad and have great memories of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and...Read More » ”
27 of 32 | Posted by: Kevin and Debbie Stallings - UT

“Dear Vernon Finch Family, What a great example you have to follow. Your husband, father, grandfather, etc., is a wonderful man. He was a friend...Read More » ”
28 of 32 | Posted by: Carolyn H Judd - Spanish Fork, UT

“Our hearts and love go out to your family. Many are the memories of fun, happiness and wisdom that have been shared with your family and especially...Read More » ”
29 of 32 | Posted by: Mardene Barker - Payson, UT

“Mr. Finch was my shop teacher in Jr. High at Payson. He was a very special teacher and loved by everyone. I'm thankful for having such a good friend...Read More » ”
30 of 32 | Posted by: Arnold R. Ainge - West Jordan, UT

“I absolutely love the Finch family. ”
31 of 32 | Posted by: Christin Smith

“How I loved this man! I have had the priviledge of living close by him all my life and treasure the memories of picking cherries from his tree,...Read More » ”
32 of 32 | Posted by: Kristine Anderson - Riverton, UT


Navy Emblem

Vernon Finch, a strong, faithful, caring man, passed on to the next phase of his life’s journey Feb. 20, 2011. Born June 9, 1927 in Eureka, UT to Robert E. and Vera Finch, his first years of life were spent in Goshen where he caught his first glimpse of his sweetheart Kathleen Toolson.

At age six his family moved to a farm west of Payson. Vernon attended schools in Payson and after graduation joined the US Navy completing his training just as WWII was coming to an end. After military service he and Kathleen were married in the Salt Lake Temple. They would be happy together for 65 years. They moved to Logan where Vernon attended USU and completed a Bachelors Degree in Industrial Arts Education. He later earned a Masters Degree from BYU in Educational Administration. He loved teaching and also held positions as principal of Payson Jr. and Sr. High Schools and Director of Vocational and Secondary Education for Nebo School District.

Vernon had many interests. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing trips with family and friends. Blessed with a beautiful voice and love of music, Vernon and his brothers sang at hundreds of funerals, parties, and civic events over the years. He enjoyed sitting with family at summer band concerts in the park. He was active in community affairs and had the desire to give back and be of service. Vernon’s many church service and leadership callings were a big part of his life. His calling as Stake Seventy touched many lives as well as his service as Bishop, Stake President, and Stake Patriarch. He especially enjoyed his many years serving in the Provo Temple, twice in the temple presidency. Vernon and Kathleen served together in the Nauvoo Temple and England Coventry Missions.
It will be his deep love of family and role of son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather that will be his greatest legacy. His most important goal was to be a loving husband and father and raise a happy family.

Vernon is survived by his wife Kathleen and eight children: Karen (Bruce) Winegar, Bruce Finch, Brent (Kay) Finch, Deon (Ellis) Woodward, Wendy (Lee) Timothy, Beth (Karl) Gadd, Max (Annette) Finch, Reed (Lori) Finch and by his brothers LeBaron Robbins, Robert Finch, Gerald Finch, and David Finch. He is preceded in death by his sister Helen Bray. His posterity includes 43 grandchildren and 62 great grandchildren.

A viewing will take place, Friday, Feb. 25 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Walker Mortuary in Payson and prior to the funeral on Feb. 26 at the Payson Stake Center, 650 W 800 S from 9:45 to 10:45 am. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at the Payson Cemetery. The family gives special thanks to Latter Days Assisted Living for their loving care.