Tim Finn

Tim was born in Detroit Lakes, Minn., on June 21, 1945, to Ralph and Lilyth Finn. At the age of 6, he and his family moved to Billings. Tim attended elementary school in Glyndon, Minn., at North Park and Progressive (Pioneer-Progressive) Elementary Schools in Billings, Lincoln Junior High, and graduated from Billings Senior High in 1963. He attended Montana State University Billings (Eastern). He served in the United States Army Reserves and was honorably discharged. He had two children by his first marriage: Kala and Bryce. In 1981, he married his wife of 31 years, Denise. After working at Pierce Packing on the shipping floor, most of Tim's professional career was spent in property management and, later, in the car retail industry. While Tim worked most of his life in Billings, he also had the opportunity to live and work in Helena and Great Falls; Toronto, Ontario; Las Vegas; and Sheridan, Wyo.

Perhaps we should begin with stories of an adventurous little boy growing up in Billings. A little boy who loved to play outside, terrorize his older sister, like all dutiful brothers should, and show his younger brothers the ropes. The little boy, who after getting in trouble, would say, "yeah, I guess I had it coming." The little boy who grew into a man that loved his mother and father with all his heart.

Perhaps we should begin with the proud father - always there to offer advice and more importantly, always there to listen. A father who believed in character and the importance of following one's dreams. "You have to take care of number one, you have to believe in yourself," he would say.

Perhaps we should begin with the adoring husband - devoted in every way. "I love you immensely," was his morning greeting. He was always there with an affectionate tease, a hug, and a few words to keep things real.

Or perhaps we should begin with the gregarious man with the big heart we all knew as Tim Finn. The happy-go-lucky, good-natured guy who always had a smile on his face and a hand to extend in friendship. The buddy that was always ready to meet you for lunch and sit down for a French dip and bowl of soup. He enjoyed eating with anyone! The charismatic host who loved to entertain, fire up the grill and indulge in a perfectly cooked steak and a cold beer. Tim loved to play cards, trying his luck at the races, or placing a few bets. He enjoyed golfing and cooking, which he learned to perfect in the Army, where he served as the Captain's cook. In all his endeavors, he enjoyed each day for what it was - a gift that should be cherished and lived to its fullest potential - he celebrated life. It seemed that everywhere Tim would go in Billings, someone knew him. Every time he answered the phone, it was as if he was expecting your call and couldn't wait to talk to you. His infectious spirit and zeal for life came through in all that he did.

Tim is survived by his wife, Denise; his daughter, Kala Finn; his son, Bryce (Jen) Finn; his granddaughters, Morgan and Kaelyn; his mother, Lilyth Finn; his sister, Barbara (Bruce) Johnson; his brothers Bradley (Sheri Rolf, MD) Finn and Gary (Susan) Finn; and his nephews (Scott and Jeremy Johnson, and Jordan and Austin Finn). He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Phyllis Brown (Bill); his sister-in-law, Janice Danahy (Dan, and their sons Thomas and Michael); and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph.

Husband, son, father, brother and all of your friends - you will be missed, Tim. Giorgio is waiting for you at the door....

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at First Presbyterian Church, 2420 13th St. West. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church or the ASPCA.