Honoring Tradition.
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Roderick James Finch

January 1, 2006 - October 4, 2006
Grand Rapids, MI

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Roderick James Finch, age 88, entered his heavenly home on October 4, 2006. He was born December 20, 1917, in Pontiac, MI, to Charles and Marjorie Finch who preceded him in death. His grandson, Jonathon Barber, and sisters, Barbara Clark, Henrietta (Maudie) VanOeveren, and Crystal Cardinal also preceded him in death. Rod is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Thelma Louise (Haan) Finch; and his children, Susan (James) Griswold, Stephen (Sally) Finch, Jeanna Finch, Patricia (Curtis) Linscott, Barbara (Daniel) Barber, and Michael Finch. He is also survived by his sister, Sheila McCue; brothers, Thomas Finch and Charles Finch; special nieces, Norma Crum and Sherry Gunderson; grandchildren, Karen (Ronson) MacLeod, David (Keisha) Griswold, Beth Ann (Don) Allen, Nathan Griswold, Daniel (Jessica) Griswold, Eric (Rachel) Finch, Kristin Linscott, Lura Barber, Leah Barber, and Andrew Barber; great-grandchildren, Jonathon, Emily and Jeremiah Allen, Abby, Tristan and Reilly Finch, and Maya and Lily Griswold; in-laws, Vernon (Joyce) Haan, Delbert Haan, Versol (Lynda) Haan, and Alta Haan; and many other nieces and nephews. Rod graduated from Creston High School and attended Grand Rapids Junior College. He was a member of Wealthy Park Baptist Church for 45 years where he served as a Trustee on the Church Board, drove Sunday School bus, and was active in the Adult Bible School. Rod was a Navy veteran of World War II, serving his country in the South Pacific. He worked for the railroad for 44 years, retiring from Conrail in 1981 as Office Manager of Freight Sales. Rod was a family man and loved the outdoors - hunting, fishing, camping, traveling and golf. For many years he served as a Boy Scout Leader. After retiring, Rod and Thelma spent the next 20 winters in Largo, FL where he was active at the New Testament Baptist Church. Both Rod and Thelma have been residents of Michigan Christian Home for the past 2.5 years. Visitation will be held at Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 4291 Cascade Rd. S.E. from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 9, 2006, at Wealthy Park Baptist Church, 2233 Michigan N.E. with Rev. Kenton Young and Rev. Bruce Sabados officiating. There will also be visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment at Chapel Hills Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan Christian Home, Faith Hospice, or Wealthy Park Baptist Church Missions Fund. The family is being served by