William "Bill" Glen Finnegan passed away in the early hours of February 26, at his home in Seattle, Washington, following a long illness. He was surrounded by his loving family when he was called home.
He was born in Butte on May 8, 1938, to Francis and Lillian (Edwards) Finnegan. He attended St. Anns Grade School and graduated from Boys Central High School in 1956.
Shortly after graduating high school, Bill moved to Tacoma, Washington where he attended and graduated Barber School . After graduation, he returned to Butte and worked as a Barber until October of 1958.
Later in October of 1958, he joined the Army and during his time in the Army, he
worked as a Military Police Officer. It was during this time, that Bill was able to work with his favorite breed of dog, the German Shepherd. When Bill was honorably discharged from the Army in 1960 his love for the German Shepherd carried over into his personal life. During that time, he was able to provide a loving home for King, and then after King's passing, a loving home for Bear.
For eight years after being discharged, Bill returned to work as a barber in Butte. While he was living in Butte, his father Francis passed away suddenly in 1960 and in that moment, Bill tried to become both father and brother to his two younger brothers, Frank 4 and Danny 14. This was quite a challenge to a young man who was only 24 and still trying to find his own nitch in life. But he was highly successful in both rolls and he continued to be until his death.
In 1968, he once again returned to Washington, this time he made his home in Seattle. He spent the remainder of his life living there. During his years there, he spent time as truck driver for Good Will Industries, married his wife Marie (they divorced in 1978), and worked for the United States Post Office for 33 years (he retired in 2003).
Even though Bill lived in Seattle, he always made time to visit with his family and friends he still had in Butte and Las Vegas. Bill always loved being with his family. One of Bi|l's favorite things to do was to sit out on his front deck swing and look over his city. He always made sure to point out his magnificent view of the space needle. Everyone who knew Bill always had a funny story to tell about some mishap that he had experienced. His gentle soul, kind sense of humor, overwhelming generosity and rose colored glasses will be missed by all who loved him.
We are all deeply saddened by his death, but we all know he is in a better place. A place where we will all see each other again. Bill's favorite thing to say at the end of a visit or end of a phone call was "Chop Chop". So today, we all say to you that we love you very much and we are going to miss you so much more and until we see each other again "Chop Chop".
He was preceded in death by his father, Francis; mother, Lillian; stepfather, Dennis Byrne; stepsister, Karen Byrne, and by his beloved dogs, King and Bear. Bill is survived by his sister, brother, and sisters in laws, Naomi Ladd of Helena, Dan and Marilyn Finnegan of Las Vegas, and Frank and Linda Finnegan of Butte; nieces and nephews, Lori (Finnegan) and James Ford of Las Cruces, NM, Paul and Sharon Finnegan of Sanford, NC, Vanessa (Finnegan) and Paul Fitzgerald of Missoula, Franky Finnegan of Butte, and Stephanie Finnegan of Butte; Delmer Ladd, David Ladd, Danny Ladd, Chuck Ladd, Theresa Ladd and Linda Ladd; great nieces and nephews, Amber Manns, Tyler Manns, Cassandra Nutt, Bryan Fitzgerald, MacKenzie Finnegan, Brekon Finnegan and Hallie Charon; Cousins, Leo and Rose Finnegan of Seattle and Father Joe Finnegan of Waterloo. He is also survived by his dearest friends Karl and Carol Beckerleg of Butte and other numerous friends in Butte and Seattle.
In following with Bill's final wishes, a small private family service has already taken place. Interment occurred with full military honors at Holy Cross Cemetery in Butte. Father Joe Finnegan officiated the service. Any donations can be made to one of Bills' favorite places "Our Lady of the Rockies".