Mourning the Passing of Friends: Forthcoming Funeral Services

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose.  All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” ~ Helen Keller

Forthcoming funeral services are planned for the following friends from our community. Complete versions of these obituaries may also be found in The Payson Chronicle.

Gerald Max Finch

1929-2017

Gerald Max Finch left mortality on October 7, 2017, surrounded by family on his farm in West Mountain. He was born November 1, 1929, in Goshen, Utah to Robert E. and Vera LeBaron Finch.  He lived a life full of love for the Lord, his family, and giving service to others. 

He loved living and working on the farm he grew up on.  He later returned to the same farm in 1971 with his own family until his passing. Following a three-year mission to Finland, he married his sweetheart Joanne Carlisle in the Salt Lake Temple on May 20, 1954.  He served for two years in the Armed Forces then finished his schooling at Utah State and BYU.  He had a full and satisfying career working in the Church Educational System for 36 years, including twelve years as an instructor and principal at Payson Seminary.

Gerald enjoyed sports (especially BYU), the outdoors, and fishing with his brothers and family. Family traditions were important.  He loved popping popcorn and bringing smiles to those who came to visit the farm. He also found joy in singing alongside his brothers at many events over the years. He felt blessed to lovingly serve in many church callings, including another mission to Kona, Hawaii with his wife Bonnie (Lupton) whom he married on July 25, 1997, four years following Joanne’s passing. Gerald’s greatest talent was his ability to develop close and long-lasting friendships - to know him was to love him.

Above all, his greatest earthly treasure was family. Gerald is survived by his present wife, Bonnie and 10 children: Marianne (Richard) Tranter, Diane (Mark) Soffe, Janet (Dean) Egbert, James (Sheryl) Finch, Steven (RaeAnne) Finch, Alan (Lori) Finch, Brian (Michele) Finch, Kathryn (Derek) Ballard, Douglas (Jodi) Finch, and Kristine (Michael) Anderson.  Also by his brother David (Sally) Finch and Bonnie’s three children, Dennis (Donna) Price, Kathy (Joel) Cross and Laurie Myers.

He was preceded in death by his wife Joanne, grandson Justin, brothers LeBaron , Robert, Vernon, and sister Helen.  His posterity includes 67 grandchildren and 89 great-grandchildren.

A viewing will take place Friday, October 13 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Walker Mortuary, 587 S. 100 W. in Payson and prior to the funeral on Saturday, October 14 from 9:30- 10:45 a.m. at the West Mountain LDS Chapel, 5237 W. 10400 S. in Payson. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will follow at the Payson Cemetery.  

The family gives special thanks to his lifelong physician and friend, Dr. David Bennion, his personal caregiver Allie Jarvis, and the entire iCare Hospice team who have been so compassionate and caring during his final days.