Phillip Reid Finger

Phillip Reid Finger passed away peacefully on September 21, 2017 with his family by his side.

Phil was born to Henry Reid Finger and Norma Laura VanBuskirk on February 9, 1941 in St. Joseph, Missouri. Phil’s family moved to Oklahoma when his dad was was transferred by Phillips Petroleum Co. and many of his fondest childhood memories were about the times spent on his grandmother’s farm. When Phil was nine years old, his family moved to Yakima, Washington. He graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1959 and then received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington. He later earned his Master’s degree from Central Missouri State University.

Phil was proud of his military service, serving first as a lieutenant, then a captain in the United States Air Force. He served predominantly in Thailand during the Vietnam conflict and shared many stories of adventure with his family over the years. This was an important and meaningful time in his life and Phil was very proud of his service to his country.

After Phil left the military he began his working career at Bellevue Community College in the audio-visual department. His future wife, Dorothy Lund, was a student at the college and worked in the library adjacent to his department. They married on September 4, 1977 in Bellevue, Washington. Phil later began working as a Financial Aid Supervisor at the college and financial aid became his life’s career. He advanced to become a Financial Aid Assistant Director at North Seattle Community College and later the Financial Aid Director at Yakima Valley Community College, Seattle Central Community College and Shoreline Community College. Phil’s passion was to help students succeed as they pursued their education and their dreams.

Phil enjoyed numerous hobbies over the years including photography, astronomy, dance, collecting coins, stamps, and other memorabilia, following Olympic events, helping with local track and field events, cooking for his family, and anything Hobbit or Sherlock Holmes. After his retirement, Phil was able to spend more time cultivating his interests.

Although accomplished in his military and career goals, Phil’s heart belonged to his family. They always had his unconditional love and unwavering support. Recently Phil and his wife Dorothy celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary together. He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy, and his three sons, Derek, Kevin (Tomoe), and James, all of whom will miss him greatly and will hold him forever in their hearts.  He was also delighted to be called Jiji by his two beloved grandchildren, Hunter Shougo and Sophia Rio. Finally Phil leaves behind a younger brother, Michael Van Finger (Sue), his nephew Shawn, his niece Shannon, and his much-loved cousins, Glenda, Sandra, and Mary and their extended families.

A special thank-you to the caring professionals at Harborview Hospital who comforted Phil’s family and saw them through the difficult decisions they had to make with respect and compassion.

A celebration of Phil’s life and service to country will be planned at a later date for immediate family and friends. Phil was a steadfast supporter of many causes. Remembrances in Phil’s name can be made to two of his favorite causes:

The National Audubon Society, https://action.audubon.org/donate/make-tribute-gift

United Service Organization (USO), https://www.uso.org/donate/next

“I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay…small acts of kindness and love.”  -Gandalf