Garnet Finlay

With sadness, the family of Garnet Finlay wish to announce his peaceful passing 13 July 2026 at the Kemptville District Hospital, in his 91st year.

Born in Mountain, Ontario, to Sam and Effie Finlay, Garnet moved with his family in 1941 to the Reeve Craig area of North Gower Township, where he was raised on the family farm. From an early age he learned the values of hard work, responsibility, and helping others through his daily chores of caring for livestock, and working the land.

He began school at S.S. No. 22 in Mountain before transferring to S.S. No. 9 Reeve Craig School. He later attended North Gower Continuation School and when South Carleton High School opened its doors in 1952, he proudly became a member of the first graduating class of 1953.

After graduation, he worked for the Bank of Nova Scotia before beginning what would become a 35-year career with the National Research Council in Ottawa. Starting in March 1957 in Records Management at the NRC's Sussex Drive headquarters, Garnet built a reputation as a dependable and dedicated public servant, retiring in 1992.

Although his career took him to Ottawa each day, farming was always in his heart. He remained deeply connected to the land throughout his life, eventually building his own hobby farm where he raised Hereford cattle, pigs, chickens, and horses. His hobby of raising pigeons contributed to science when he supplied birds to the National Research Council's biology laboratory for pesticide research.

Family was always at the center of Garnet's life. Growing up he shared a close bond with his brother Claude and sister Betty, and in 1958 he married the love of his life, Sybil. Together they built a marriage that lasted 67 wonderful years, creating a home filled with love, laughter, faith, and hard work.

One of Garnet's greatest passions was softball. At only twelve years old, he was invited to play for the North Gower Senior Softball Team—an extraordinary accomplishment for someone so young. His natural athletic ability quickly became evident. As part of the team, he fondly remembered helping dig the holes for the lights at North Gower's ball diamond, one of the first illuminated diamonds in the area. In 1950 the team won both the Centennial Shield and the South Carleton League Championship, earning the prestigious Bracken Shield. Garnet continued playing competitive softball and winning awards well into the 1980s.

He was also a member of the Orange Young Britons and later LOL No. 59 North Gower. In 1959 he became a proud member of the "59ers" Drum and Bugle Band, enjoying years of music, parades, and community celebrations. He would later manage the band until it folded in the early 1990’s.

In 1971 Garnet and Sybil moved to Carsonby, where they built both a home and the hobby farm that he had always dreamed of. Carsonby became much more than home—it was a community that he became part of and helped continue to build. As a steward of Carsonby United Church, he championed the construction of a wheelchair-accessible entrance so everyone could worship together. As President of the Carsonby Hall Association, he oversaw improvements including a new skating rink and modern washrooms. Through his persistence, the hall was renamed the “Harry Craig Centre” in 1996, honouring one of the area's pioneer farming families. Each June he organized the Strawberry Social, arranging everything from fresh-picked berries and homemade cakes to local entertainment.

After retirement, Garnet worked part-time for Rideau Bus Lines before returning to North Gower in 2001, where he became an active member of North Gower United Church.

Beyond his many commitments, Garnet embraced life with enthusiasm and made the most of every opportunity to spend time with family and friends. He loved travelling with his family, creating memories that would be treasured for years to come. When his kids were old enough, Garnet coached them at baseball and hockey. Later in life, Wednesday was golf day, and he looked forward to the weekly rounds and the camaraderie shared with his many golfing friends. Garnet also loved to dance and was often one of the first on the dance floor at community gatherings. Whether celebrating New Year's Eve, hosting lively Grey Cup parties and euchre parties, summer picnics, or simply gathering with those he loved, he found great joy in bringing people together. His warm smile, easy laugh, and genuine enjoyment of life's simple pleasures made every occasion a little brighter for everyone around him.

Above every accomplishment stood his greatest source of pride—his family. He and Sybil raised three children: Marlene Pauly, Kevin Finlay, and Chris Finlay (Melissa). He delighted in his grandchildren Emma and Dylan Pauly and Evan and Avery Finlay. He was also deeply saddened by the loss of his son-in-law, Aron Pauly.

Garnet will be remembered for his kindness, gentle nature, tireless work ethic, deep faith, and commitment to helping others. His legacy lives not only in his family but throughout the North Gower and Carsonby communities and in the many lives made better because he quietly chose to serve.

Visitation will be held at North Gower United Church on Saturday, July 25th from 10 am until time of memorial service at 11:30 am followed by a reception. Interment South Gower Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute or North Gower United Church, P.O. Box 307, North Gower, ON K0A2T0.