Rick Finwall
1918-2016

Richard Manson “Rick” Finwall entered this world at the end of the Great War, leaving this life 98 years later. A Nebraska farm boy, this shaped his life - hard work, persistence, economy and enjoying quiet pleasures.

After marriage to Viola in March, 1941, his family of four moved to California, settling in Oro Fino in beautiful Scott Valley on a cattle ranch with his parents. A third child soon completed their family. Rick then worked as a setter for Hjertager Mill in Callahan, and later obtained a milk route, delivering dairy products to many local residents. After the family moved to Yreka, Rick became the proprietor of the local Shell gas station. Many young men began their working careers pumping gas for Rick.

Cultivated by his mother, who had flown with the Savage brothers in 1914, Rick learned to love flying. He was one of the founders of the Scott Valley Airmen. He flew several planes, such as a Cessna 120, 140, 180, 172 and 182 and Mooney making several trips to the San Diego area and across the United States. He was very proud of his flying and it always brought BIG smiles to his face and many happy days. If you knew Rick, you knew his happy smile.

When Rick was in his mid 50s, he began to play golf; his first experience of the game was at a golf tournament put on by the Regional Shell Corp. His award was the booby prize for the highest score. Go Dad!!! He also enjoyed photography, and became a staunch fan of the San Francisco Giants.

His greatest satisfaction seemed to come from family. With retirement, Rick and Vi took up Rving, traveling the West and meeting up with his sisters and their husbands in warmer places during the winters. Grandchildren soon became big enough to collect sand bugs on the Klamath, camping and fishing at Indian Scotty, golfing and dump trips with him.

Rick is survived by his three children: Shelia, Linda (Louie) and Richard A. (Anne); grandchildren Mary (Nathan) Eckman, Richard D. (Ananada) Finwall, Jonathan (Erin) Finwall, Katherine (Jesse) Parry, Chris (Erin) Silva, Victoria (Joey) Brewer, eight great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Rick was predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Viola Marie (Daniels) Finwall, his parents, Viola Manson and Richard Henry Finwall, his siblings and their companions; Daryl and Elayne Finwall Finch, Eddie and Joyce Finwall Irwin, Lorraine and Harold “Zip” Finwall.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the LDS Church, 1001 West Miner Street in Yreka. Memorial contributions can be made in his name to the Yreka Madrone Hospice, 255 Collier Circle, Yreka, CA 96097, who tenderly and gently cared for him until his passing.