Fielding Finch

Fielding F. Finch, 83, of St. Joseph, passed away, Saturday, May 28, 2016 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph with family at his side. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 914 Lane Dr., St. Joseph, with The Rev. Dennis Remenschneider officiating. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in St. Joseph.  Memorial donations in Fielding’s name may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Those wishing to sign Fielding’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Fielding was born September 23, 1932 in St. Johns, Michigan to Dale & Jessie (Faurot) Finch. He grew up in St. Johns and later graduated from St. John’s High School. Fielding began his undergraduate work at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. After two years, he enlisted in the US Army and was stationed primarily in Japan in the mid 1950’s. Upon his return to Kalamazoo, Fielding put the GI bill to good use by completing his bachelor’s degree in teaching and then obtaining his master’s degree. Fielding married Sharon G. Morrill on November 23, 1957 in St. Johns, they later moved to St. Joseph in 1959. Fielding taught at Lafayette North Shore School District and then later taught at Fairplain/Benton Harbor Schools. He retired after 40 years of teaching. In addition to teaching, Fielding was a longtime coach and sports official. He also was a lifelong sports enthusiast and participant. He enjoyed playing a round of golf and listening to the Detroit Tiger’s baseball broadcaster, Ernie Harwell. He also spent many summers inspecting area orchards and farms for the State of Michigan Department of Agriculture. Fielding is survived by his son Matthew Dale Finch of St. Joseph; grandson Edgar Townsend, Jr. of Newport Oregon; three great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Sandra Neibaur of Marquette; brother-in-law Thomas Swiat, Sr. of Kalamazoo and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Sharon Gaye who passed February 1, 2016; daughter Kenna Lee Townsend; twin sisters Jetta Swiat & Jean Hoekje; and his parents Fielding’s family would like to especially thank Dr. Gerald Kozuh and the wonderful staff at the Marie Yeager Cancer Center for their exceptional dedication and effort on Dad’s behalf. A special salute goes to his longtime fellow sports officials, Henry D’Agostino, Lloyd MacTavish, Gene Robinson and Larry Klett for their many years of camaraderie and friendship.