Barbara June Finlayson

1946 ~ 2021

Viewing:

Jan. 8, 2022
9:30 AM - 10:45 AM
1320 Wasatch Drive in Salt Lake City, Utah
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  • Service:

    Jan. 8, 2022
    11:00 AM
    1320 Wasatch Drive in Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Directions to Service

  • Listen to Previously Recorded Service

    Barbara June Finlayson of Salt Lake City, Utah, devoted wife, mom (aka Moohen), Gram, sister, aunt, cousin and friend passed away peacefully on December 30, 2021, from complications following a bowel perforation. She was surrounded by her family at the time of her passing. She is survived by her loving husband, Dr. Keith Finlayson; children, Russell Finlayson, Tracey Kimball, Regina Johnson (Mike), Joseph Finlayson (Katie), Troy Finlayson (Mindi) and Jessica Petersen (Luke); nineteen grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Barbara is also survived by her brother Rick Platts (Mary Ellen), sister Debbie Rea, and brother Jim Platts. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lovell Rollins Platts and Valda Belle Holmes.
    Barbara was born on November 3, 1946, in Little Rock, Arkansas and spent most of her childhood in Lancaster, California chasing tumbleweeds, riding horses and finding fun in the desert. Both of Barbara’s parents passed away when she was a young adult. She made the best out of a difficult
    situation, working extremely hard to create a beautiful life for herself and her family. Barbara was blessed with 4 wonderful children (Russell, Tracey, Regina and Joseph) from her first marriage. In April 1976, she met the true love of her life, Keith Finlayson, and married him in the Salt Lake Temple on February 11, 1977. Together they created a family and home full of love and laughter, adding Troy and Jessica in the next few years.
    Barbara had many defining qualities, not the least of which was her warm, giving spirit. She was willing to put herself second to the needs of others. There was never a family member, neighbor or acquaintance in need that Barbara did not drop everything to help. She rose to every occasion,
    willing to travel anywhere, to be a help and support to so many people throughout her life.
    Barbara was a lifelong, faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. After raising their 6 children, Barbara and Keith served a two-year mission for the Church in Irvine, California from 2016-2018. Barbara was happiest while serving others, and the two years spent in Irvine
    were the culmination of a life spent serving the Lord, her fellow man, and always putting others before herself.
    Barbara was a famous storyteller, recounting experiences from years past and always incorporating “sayings” that are well known by her loved ones and will forever be attributed to her. These stories were often told with animation and her keen sense of humor. She managed to highlight the pieces of her life that truly mattered and shared in delight with her family and friends. Her stories will continue to be told with love, affection and laughter for years to come.
    Barbara was also an incredibly hard worker, oftentimes taking on seemingly impossible challenges without a hint of hesitation. She once led (and employed) an army of neighborhood kids to landscape her large yard in a single summer that included the installation of hundreds of railroad ties.
    Barbara was a firm believer that when it was time to get down to work, we should give 110%, have a great attitude, make friends along the way, and be thoughtful and respectful to everyone.
    Her memorial will be held Saturday, January 8, 2022, at 11:00 am with a viewing from 9:30-10:45am beforehand. Both services will be held at the Monument Park Stake Center at 1320 Wasatch Drive in Salt Lake City, Utah. It is requested that those who wish to attend please wear a mask. Those unable to attend in person may watch via Zoom:
    https://zoom.us/j/94143800757 - Webinar ID: 941 4380 0757.
    In lieu of sending flowers, please consider a donation to the Humanitarian Aid Fund in Barbara’s name:
    https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/humanitarian-services/funds/humanitarian-general-fund.html -


    Guestbook/Condolences

    On November 2, 1984 Barbara took me shopping at Nordstrom's big sale. I was 9 months pregnant and a week overdue. It was her way of saying, "let's get this overwith!" She walked me all over the store for hours. Just as she planned, the next day, on Barbara's birthday, not so little Thomas Alan Horne was born. I was extremely grateful as only the mother of an overdue baby can appreciate!
    We haven't forgotten all the house calls Keith made for our sick children, or the amazing ward dinners Barbara worked so hard on. I have a miniature sled, accurate in every detail, made out of wood, assembled and painted by Barbara for a Christmas Dinner centerpiece at the ward. I think she made 40 of them. No project was too big to take on.
    On our trip to Moorea to see Hailey's Comet, Keith had all the latest camera equipment, telescope etc to take photos that got picked up by newspapers all over the world, but Barbara didn't want to see the comet at all. One night around midnight while Tom and Keith were out photographing, I knocked on Barbara's hotel room door, when she came outside, fortunately, the hotel door accidentally shut behind her locking her out. In the night sky above us was a most glorious sight. Turned out, a year later, Tom got a job that took him to Tahiti often. I have never gone back to Moorea without thinking of Barbara.
    Mostly, I remember how beautiful and capable she was. She will be greatly missed.
    Susan Horne


    - Susan Horne

    So so sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family at this time. I will miss her every day. Love to you and yours.


    - Wendy Erekson

    What a beautiful service for a beautiful lady inside and out. I have my own memories of her kindness and service that I will always be grateful for.


    - Jenny Gasser Sampson

    Keith, you have our deepest condolences and heart felt sympathy for your loss. Hold tight to memories for comfort, lean on your family for strength, and always remember how much you are loved in this time of grief.

    Love, Hal & Laurie Sutherland


    - Hal & Laurie Sutherland

    Dear Russell and Family,
    Jill van Langeveld forwarded us the news of Barbara's passing. We are so sorry for your loss. She was (is) a remarkable woman, and we felt fortunate to know you both. God be with you at this tender time.

    Elder Roger and Sister Gayle Summerhays
    Oakland/San Francisco Mission


    - Roger and Gayle Summerhays