November 7, 1944 – May 12, 2023
at the age of 78 years:
A memorial service will be held at the Sorrento Centre in Sorrento, September 10 at 2 pm.
If the Centre is under an evacuation order, the service will be moved to the First United Church in Salmon Arm.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to South Shuswap Rides or the Sorrento Centre.
It is with great sadness, the family of Kenneth (Kenny) James Finlayson announces his death on May 12, 2023.
Kenny is greatly missed and lovingly remembered by his daughter Amanda Leigh, his son James Alexander (Michele), grandchildren Lea, Lauren, Spencer, Stuart, Kiera, great grandchildren Elton and Darla, his brother Peter (Susan), sister Nancy, niece Tracy and nephews Sean and Rory, as well as innumerable friends, neighbours, and colleagues associated with the musical life of the Shuswap, central and northern BC and Alberta. Kenny was predeceased by his parents Alexander and Ruth and brother Donald.
Kenny had a life long passion for all things piano, whether playing and performing or restoring and tuning. He was well known around the Shuswap and beyond to almost everyone who owned a piano requiring any maintenance. A fine musician from childhood, Kenny could be found singing in choirs, playing organ in church, playing recorder in a small group, or simply strumming his guitar.
Kenny’s second passion was building his house, an oval shaped cordwood constructed building he lived in and loved to the end. His happiest times were playing his grand piano on the upper floor of his home.
When Kenny undertook anything he did it whole heartedly. Long standing interests included Toastmasters, lawn bowling, Tai Chi and dance. Kenny’s friendliness and kindness to all touched everyone who knew him.
Many thanks to Shuswap palliative care staff who cared for him in his last months, and to South Shuswap Rides whose services allowed Kenny to stay in his beloved house until the end.
While I was at The Sorrento Centre Ken would volunteer to help out – he was proud to show me his home and his piano tuning life … He was smart and friendly with his own take on politics … peace and love to you Ken … wish I had seen you part this world ✊
I am so saddened to hear if Kennys passing. I knew him only briefly but we had so much in common! I enjoyed it when he came to tune my piano and was so sad when he could no longer come due to health issues. Kenny will be missed… my deepest condolences to his family.
Kenny was ‘young at heart’, always cheerful and upbeat. I sang with Kenny for a number of years in the Sorrento choir, and he always brought joy and levity to practice. Kenny was also the man to tune our piano, and when he did, we enjoyed sharing stories about the Peace River country over a cup of Tea. Thank you for your unfailing service to our community!
Ken and Margaret
Kenny was a pleasure to work with and our common customers were always extremely happy with his work. Kenny, you were one of a kind, a kind that no longer exists. RIP dear friend!
For Kenny,
We met at the Sorrento Centre and many meetings and discussion about life was always on the agenda. Your talent with the piano, the detailed descriptions of your travel mostly within BC was entertaining and provided a good experience. May you soul find peace in your new place where you can join many of your loved one’s which left before you.
Condolences to Ken’s family. We are neighbours of his and enjoyed many impromptu visits with him over the past few years as he passed by our home on his daily walks up Hilltop. He tuned the old family piano and would often drop over for tea with the ladies of the old log home. His dedication and enthusiasm towards the building of his cherished home did not go unnoticed by all who passed by. You will be missed!!
We only met Ken a few times at neighbours gatherings. Of course Kenny was entertaining us all with his guitar. Such a funtastic time singing along. May you hit all the perfect notes with your new band of Angels
You do not leave unremembered dear Ken.
It has been years since the piano you tuned has been gone but I still recall the fascinating stories you shared as you built your interesting house.
You were enjoyed and appreciated.