Dr. Bernard J. Finlay was born in Syracuse, New York to Theresa Streiff Finlay Boles and Howard "Hap" Finlay. He lived his early years in Onondaga Hill, New York. As a child, he attended a one-room schoolhouse. He graduated from Onondaga High School and traveled to the West Coast on a basketball scholarship. He was the first in his family to attend college.
Bernie attended San Diego State University from 1958 to 1960, where he joined the Sigma Chi Fraternity. While at SDSU, he set numerous basketball records, some of which remain. He was one of the top scorers in Aztec history, finishing his career with 1,110 points. He averaged 20.1 points per game in his senior year and was named All Conference each of his three years at SDSU.
Upon graduation from SDSU in 1960, he was drafted by the Syracuse Nationals in the 1960 NBA draft. He was an outstanding free-throw shooter and remains in the SDSU top 10 in both career (78%) and single-season percent. (83%). In 2005 he was inducted into the SDSU Hall of Fame.
Choosing a career in dentistry rather than basketball, Dr. Finlay attended New York State University at Buffalo. While a dental student, he met and married Susan Parry. He graduated with a doctorate of dentistry in 1964, and he and Susan moved to San Diego. They had a son, Blake John Finlay, and a daughter, Dana Reid Finlay. Bernie and Susan, now Susan Marrinan, divorced in 1976 but remained friends and committed parents.
After passing the California Dental Boards, Bernie set up a dental practice, The San Diego Trolley Dental Group, on Imperial Avenue in San Diego. He also established a dental practice on Cass Street, in Pacific Beach. Dr. Finlay cared about his patients and his patients cared about him. He retired in 2011
Bernie married Candis Ross in 1979 . During their 43 years of marriage, they resided in Pacific Beach and El Cajon. He and Candy enjoyed 43 happy years together, playing tennis, and traveling the world from Alaska to the Galapagos Islands, to the Erie Canal, to Africa, with grandchildren and friends and many adventures along the way. They hosted wonderful parties. Bernie remained active until recently, playing tennis and golf, and he enjoyed the companionship of his close friends of 50 years, "The Wednesday Wonders." He was stepfather to Spencer Ross and Brandon Ross, M.D. One of Bernie's and Candy's priorities was spending quality time with their blended families of children and grandchildren.
Bernie was diagnosed with Alzheimer's 7 years ago and peacefully passed away while a resident of ActivCare in Pacific Beach. Candy and Bernie's family thank the staff for their care and kindnesses. Candy and all who loved Bernie will miss his cheerful spirit, his loving companionship, and the energy he brought to everyday life. He made the world a brighter place.
Bernie is survived by his children Dana Finlay (Brad Mills), Blake Finlay, Spencer and Brandon Ross, his brother Donald Finlay of Syracuse, N.Y., and his grandchildren Henry Bernard Arbaugh, Sophie Reid Arbaugh, Jack Thomas Arbaugh, and his step-grandchildren, Shawn Corby, Trevor Ross, Jake Ross, Jackson Mills and Sophia Mills.
Bernie loved living in San Diego but fondly remembered his early years in Onondaga Hill. Many years ago, Bernie and Candy set up a scholarship for young athletes attending Onondaga High School. In 2015, a celebration took place in Onondaga Hill in their honor and in recognition of Bernie's outstanding high school basketball career, his accomplishments in life, and his generosity to those in need. Candy and Bernie were honored guests at the celebration.
Memorial services will be private.
In lieu of flowers and to honor Bernie's desire to help young athletes, the family asks that donations be made, in Bernie's name, to Onondaga Central and mailed to 4466 S Onondaga Rd, Nedrow, NY 13120
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