CODE, John Finlay
April 16, 1919 - February 17, 2015
John Finlay Code passed away peacefully, with family at his side, in the Foothills Country Hospice at the age of 95. Finlay (Fin) was born in Red Deer to J. B. and Flora, and spent early years at New Brigden and Red Deer, with sister Betty and brother Duncan, until 1928 when the family moved to Carbon . Finlay received schooling in Carbon and Garrett, then began supporting his family by working for area farmers in Carbon and Hesketh. Dad remembered earning 50 cents/day shovelling wheat for Garrett’s threshing crew. When World War II began, Finlay was working for Merle Anderson. In July of 1940 he decided to join the Armed Forces, training in Calgary and Camp Borden, Ontario until he embarked in Nov. 1941. Finlay landed on French soil on D- day, advancing through Belgium, Holland and Germany. In later years, a cherished possession was the medallion awarded him by the Dutch government. Finlay was discharged Oct. 1945. After a short stint at the Atlas mine, he worked in Calgary and then Carbon where he and Duncan began business together: trucking, selling Cockshutt machinery, and farming. 1952 presented an opportunity to buy Bob Levin’s place from Dick Garrett. Duncan farmed while Dad worked at P&H in Dunphy, then General Supplies in Calgary. He met Shirley Anderson while square dancing and they were married in 1954. They moved to the farm in 1959, bringing Barbara and Lynne. Sons David and Laurie were born in the early 60’s. Finlay spent 33 years on the farm, before retiring to Crossfield. On the farm he was jack of all trades, using past experiences to persevere. He was a member of numerous organizations and served on many boards, including Drumheller Hospital Board and Drumheller Health Unit Board. In retirement he maintained Masonic and Legion membership. Finlay and Shirley celebrated their 60th anniversary in April 2014, before Mom’s passing in May. He is survived by daughters Barbara and Lynne Code (Barry Sawada), sons David (Linda) and Laurie (Elaine) and grandchildren Jordan and Justan Sawada, and Micayla and Jillian Code. He is also survived by sisters- in -law Gwen Code and Thelma Meyer, and extended family. The family is grateful to staff at South Health Campus and, especially, Foothills Country Hospice, Okotoks for the compassionate care provided to Dad. In memory, donations may be made to The Kidney Foundation of Canada, 5165 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite #300, Montreal QC, H4A 1T6. The funeral will be at Crossfield United Church, 2:00 Saturday, February 28.
