Obituary - Don Finley

POLSON - Don Finley passed away October 10, 2021, in Polson, MT.

He was born April 6, 1931, in Havre, MT, to Seagle and Myrtle Finley. Don adored his father and grew up working beside him buying horses in his youth.

Don attended Havre High School, where he met the love of his life, Pauline Wilkie. They were married December 15, 1949. They had an amazing 70-plus years together and were the greatest example of what a marriage should be. They cherished each other.

Don was an incredible businessman. He and Pauline together built Don's Self Service, the first self-service gas station in the state of Montana. They expanded their businesses to include the Le Havre Inn motel and The French Quarter Lounge.

Don was active with the Havre City Council and Bear Paw Development. He was a lifetime Elks member as well as a longtime member of the Eagles.

Don and Pauline retired to the Flathead Valley, Kona, HI and Mesa, AZ.

Don's family was his whole world. He was the most amazing husband, father, and grandfather. He and Pauline had two daughters, Paula (Kevin) Lamey and Kelli Finley. Kelli preceded her father in death. He has two grandchildren, Alexa Morgan Finley (Kyle) Kmet and Jace Patrick Finley Lamey.

The heartbreak we all feel is immense, but his wisdom, kindness, and generosity to everyone he touched will live on forever. There is no way to express the positive impact that he had on everyone that met him. He was truly a great man.

Don is survived by his wife, daughter and grandchildren, his brother Del Finley and sister Evie Merriman.

He is preceded in death by his daughter Kelli, his parents and his sister Shirley Hess.

In lieu of flowers, Don's family has suggested memorial donations be made in his name to the charity of their choice. Messages of condolences may be shared online at http://www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com .

Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.