Don Finch

Donald Wade Finch, was born in Fairfield, ID to Grant and Marie Cox Finch on November 29, 1938 and died at St Luke’s Medical Center, Meridian on Sunday, April 28, 2013 of natural causes. A long-time resident of Middleton, he was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather,and friend. Don was known for his memorable good humor, whimsical sense of fun, and generous spirit of acceptance and hospitality to his wide circle of family and friends. Don started school in Manard, ID and graduated from Springfield (Oregon) High School in 1957, one of a very special circle of friends. Returning to Idaho in 1959, he met Laurel Wallace and they were married in Middleton Methodist Church on August 19, 1961, where they attended for many years. They had a fun, busy marriage of 51 years, enjoying so much time together. After Don’s basic training in the National Guard, they lived in Springfield where he was employed at H.G. Chickering Mapping. In 1970 Don accepted a job at Aerial Mapping in Boise. They relocated to Middleton to raise their family; Deborah and Cynthia, born in 1963 and 1965 in Springfield, soon followed by Doyle in 1970 in Caldwell. In 1975 Don opened a photo lab, Photo Map Services, later to become Idaho Repro-Graphics, the pre-eminent aerial mapping business in the Treasure Valley. His passion revolved family as he and Laurel, enjoyed camping and other outdoor activities. They helped establish the Middleton Easter Egg Hunt and the annual corn dog concession stand at 4thof July events, which continues at their home to this day. Don was enormously proud of his children and grandchildren and was a clever, funny, light-hearted and loving grandfather. He believed in building character in the kids, and that usually involved helping in the summer. Retiring in 2000, Don was an inspired artist and internet entrepreneur, haunting auctions in search of resalable items and material for his projects, most notably his imaginative bird houses and metal sculptures of birds and flowers. With an irrepressible sense of fun and humor, Don always brought a humorous presence to the family and friends he delighted in. Don was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Larry, and his in-laws Bet and Thelma Wallace. He is survived by his wife Laurel, daughter Debi (Steve) Maughan, of Caldwell, their son and daughter-in-law Theo and Mercades, and daughter Zoë; daughter Cindy (David) Crooke of Nampa and their daughters Jenae and Madison, and son Spencer, and son Doyle (LaNae) Finch of Sand Hollow and their sons Evan and Jake and daughters Jaycee, Alli, and Grace. He is also survived by four special sets of brothers and sisters-in-law and their families, as well as extended family members Travis Cheryl, Blaine and Kati Sterling, and many, many honorary kids and grandkids. There will be a celebration of Don’s life—the party, rather than funeral, that he always insisted on—at 2 pm on Saturday, May 4 at the family home at 12318 Finch Lane, Middleton. All are welcome. The family wishes to thank Middleton EMTs, West Valley Medical Center, St Luke's Meridian for the special care and support they provided Don AND his family. Final arrangements provided by Flahiff Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest contributions in his honor to a favorite charity, Ronald McDonald House. Don’s online guestbook can be signed at www.flahifffuneralchapel.com. Service Information