Obituary of Lorne Donald Finlayson

Lorne Donald Finlayson, a 46-year resident of Dearborn and most recently of Kinghaven Manor in Riverview, died January 19, 2005, at the age of 92. He was born December 13, 1912, in Dundas, Ontario, to Norman T. and Ethel Main Finlayson. Finlayson was a highly educated man who began his schooling in the Dundas public schools. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in chemistry from McMasters University in Hamilton, Ontario, and his Masters Degree in the same subject from the University of Toronto. He also completed further work towards a doctorate degree. Upon matriculation he began his professional career with a Canadian subsidiary of Corning Glass where he was employed in the design and manufacturing of World War II optics, working both in England and Canada. Following WWII he became the Director of Research at Corning Glass in Corning, New York, as well as operational officer in the prestigious Steuben Glass division. In 1956 Finlayson moved to Dearborn, Michigan, where he joined the Glass Division of Ford Motor Company. He was involved in the research and development of new windshield technologies. It was in the Detroit area where he met Eva Weisz whom he married on December 19, 1959. Following his marriage he broadened his work experience as a part-time lecturer in mathematics at the Lawrence Institute of Technology and the University of Michigan—Dearborn. Leaving Ford Motor Company, Finlayson began legal studies at the Detroit College of Law. In 1962 he became a consulting engineer for Ed Kurt and Associates. Then in 1965 he founded Finlayson and Associates, a forensic science consulting firm. As a licensed professional engineer he served as an expert witness, specializing in explosions and fires. He was actively involved in his firm until the age of 80. He was also a charter member of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers.. Finlayson found great pleasure and comfort in reading and was the proud owner of a vast library. He was also an avid traveler and enjoyed collecting unusual clocks. His education and background provided him with expertise in many fields with a special emphasis on languages, particularly the “King’s English”. Additional interests included cooking and, subsequently, a well-developed palate as a gourmand. He had a great love of classical music, particularly pipe organ music. Interestingly, during his college days he earned spending money by playing piano in honky tonks. And he always enjoyed the special taste of a good scotch whiskey. Finlayson is survived by five children: L. Alan (Nancy) Finlayson of Ann Arbor, Michigan; N. Lyle (Terry) Finlayson of Chicago, Illinois; Jane Finlayson; Megan Finlayson; and I. Peter Finlayson of Los Angeles, California. Four grandchildren: Audrey Finlayson of Naperville, Illinois; Abigail (William) Terrill of Chicago, Illinois; Mark Finlayson of Boston, Massachusetts; and Stephanie (Timothy) Long of Urbana, Illinois. One great grandson—Nathan Holdom of Eastpoint, Michigan. Good and faithful friends—Paul and Joann Oesch of Dearborn, Michigan. One brother—Colin Finlayson of London, Ontario and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Eva Weisz Finlayson, his brother Harold and his sister Jean Neubauer. As per his wishes cremation has taken place. His ashes will be interred along with those of his wife and the Finlayson family at Grove Cemetery in Dundas, Ontario, in the spring. A celebration of his life and a time for sharing will be held at Kinghaven Manor, 14800 King Rd., Riverview, Michigan, on Saturday, January 29th at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Penrickton Center for Blind Children, 26530 Eureka Road, Taylor, Michigan 48180 or Hospice of Michigan, Development Department, 400 Mack Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48201. Please sign the online guest book. Lorne Finlayson was a most rare and unusual individual, a true gentleman and renaissance man, who will be sorely missed by all that knew him.