Obituary of Israel Finestone

Israel Finestone, beloved husband of Patricia, for over sixty years passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at the age of 86 years. Israel was born in Saskatchewan on February 3, 1922. He owned and operated Finestone’s Fine Furs in NW Calgary for over forty years. In addition to being a successful businessman Israel built numerous homes and was especially proud of the ranchhouse west of Airdrie that he established. He was a businessman, a rancher, an organizer and a hard working man. He proudly served his country overseas in WWII. Israel was a gambler at heart. His favourite places on earth were sitting at a poker table, or on his horse moving his cattle. He was the consummate host, welcoming all who entered his home and his heart. His witty and colorful sense of humor will be missed. “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away” David Henry Thoreau. Israel lived each experience, of each and every day on his own terms. His strength of character and desire to march to his own beat will be his legacy forever. Besides his loving wife Patricia, Israel is survived by his daughter Bernadette (husband Jeffrey Norfolk); his loving granddaughter Kelly Page McGowan; his sister Betty Gurevitch and her son Darrell and her grandson Justin. Israel was predeceased by his parents Dora and Benjamin Feinstein, his brothers Charlie, Harry and Samuel and his sisters Rose and Jean. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church (835 Northmount Drive N.W.) on Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. You may forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Biron Scholarship Fund, St. Mary’s University College, 14500 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 1Z4 In living memory of Israel Finestone, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.