Joseph Charles Finley

Peacefully, on his own terms, after a courageous, six-year battle with cancer. Adored husband of Cara, loving father of Mike and Megan. Beloved son of Wallace and Elaine Finley. Dear brother of Chris Wightman (Joe), Jim (Madeleine) Pat Leclerc (Côme), and Charles.

Joe was Born on December 18th, 1951 in Kapuskasing, Ontario. After graduating from Queens Commerce, Joe began work at Price Waterhouse. After 17 years and 5 years as a tax partner, Joe left Price Waterhouse to establish Acker Finley with his partner, Brian Acker.

Joe was known for his benevolence and for his constant efforts to improve the lives of others. In 2003 he spearheaded an initiative to rebuild the aging CNIB Lake Joseph Centre, a camp for the blind and visually impaired. Inspired by his efforts, others were rallied to the cause and millions of dollars were raised to provide the camp with all-new buildings. Joe helped showcase these improvements by creating "Blind Guy Idol", an annual musical competition for blind and visually impaired musicians.

In 2006, six months after his initial, highly invasive cancer treatment, Joe completed a sprint triathlon. Inspired by his experience, Joe created Joe's Team; a triathlon team which raises money for the Princess Margaret Hospital. In its first year, 230 people competed in the Gravenhurst Triathlon and raised over $500 000 dollars. After almost three years of treatment of his own cancer and just 10 days after his latest round of chemotherapy, Joe also completed the event. In 2008 Joe's team created its own triathlon and, in total, this annual event has raised $3.5 million for the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation. In 2009, Joe had yet another innovative idea to make the event even more special, creating the "Blind Guys Tri Team" to allow blind and visually impaired athletes to compete in the event. Joe's Team is the third largest fundraiser for the Princess Margaret and the largest third party fundraiser for the hospital.

Friends may call at the TRULL "NORTH TORONTO" FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION CENTRE, 2704 YONGE STREET (5 BLOCKS SOUTH OF LAWRENCE), on Thursday from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. A celebration of his life will be held for family and friends on October 29th at the Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club on Wilson Avenue (just east of Avenue Road) at 7pm. In lieu of flowers in memoriam donations may be made to Joe's Team at www.joesteam.ca. Online condolences may be made at www.trullfuneralsyonge.com.