Kenneth Gene Finley, Sr.
Obituary
Kenneth "Ken" Gene Finley, Sr., passed away on September 11, 2022, in Santa Rosa, California at the age of 75.
Ken was born in Palo Alto, California to Floyd and Opal Finley on May 2, 1947.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years Kathleen, children Jessica Finley Lyeth and Kenneth Gene Finley, Jr. (Sara), and 4 grandchildren Elijah, Trenton, Remy and Presley. Ken is also survived by his dogs Cooper and Millie who were always by his side.
After graduating Sunnyvale High School, Sunnyvale, California, class of 1965, Ken joined the United States Marine Corps and served from 1965 to 1968. He served in the 3rd Marine Division, 4th Battalion for two tours of duty in Vietnam. The first tour in Hue Phu Bai and the second tour aboard the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk.
Ken graduated from Sonoma State University with a Bachelor's degree in business in 1975 and the same year formed his construction company, Ken Finley Construction, with his wife Kathy. A self-taught master carpenter and craftsman, teacher to so many of the trade, Ken was a respected builder of high-end custom homes and wineries in Healdsburg and Sonoma County, passionate about his work for 46 years until his retirement.
His construction projects have been published in numerous magazines, and Ken's work has appeared on the cover of national magazines over the years, something he was exceptionally proud of.
Ken and Kathy were grape growers in Dry Creek Valley, Healdsburg where they raised their children for 30 years in the home he built. He was a Harley Davidson rider, traveling the United States, and traveled the world with Kathy the last several years.
Ken had an infectious laugh and everyone who knew him loved him.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Published in Healdsburg Tribune · September 27, 2022