Douglas Daniel Finnie

Douglas Daniel Finnie was born to Gordon and Flora Finnie on March 19, 1936 in Edinburgh, Scotland. He had three siblings--his older brother Gordon, younger brother Drew, and younger sister Jean.

During World War II, his father served in the Royal Navy and his family was moved to the town of Aberdeen, a safer area to the north of Edinburgh, where they lived until the War was over. After WWII, the family moved back to Edinburgh, where his father worked for The Scotsman Newspaper. Douglas grew up finishing his schooling, riding motorcycles with his best friend, and playing his favorite sport, rugby. He often spoke of his rugby days and the fond memories that went along with them. Douglas also completed his training in engineering with Ferranti Engineering Edinburgh (world leaders in the electronics industry) while still living in Scotland.

At age 21, Douglas emigrated from Scotland to Canada. He lived there with his Uncle Andy and Aunt Jean near Toronto. Several cousins also lived in the area. While living in Canada, he worked various jobs, including sales.

In his early 30s, Douglas moved to southern California and began working again in the engineering field. It was in California where he met his future wife, Heidi, and daughter, Brigitte, along with most of their extended family. Heidi and her family had recently moved to California from Germany. Douglas and Heidi married in August 1971. Their daughter, Sonja, was born in 1972 and daughter, Delia was born in 1973.

Douglas pursued the American dream. With lots of hard work and determination, he started his own metal stampings business--first in the family's garage. Then as the business became more successful, he moved Omni Engineering to Beaumont to its first location, and then years later to its final larger location on 6th Street. It still continues to run in his absence.

Douglas was a devoted husband and father (and later, grandfather and great grandfather). His family always knew how much they were loved. They were his pride and joy. He enjoyed traveling with his family. He especially loved their annual summer trip up the California coast, trips to Boston to visit Delia and her family, and their European adventures, including visits to his family in Scotland. There were also some amazing vacations to Hawaii, Tahiti and Asia.

Douglas had a passion for photography. He built his own dark room and developed his own photos prior to the digital era. Douglas was also an avid reader. His iPad was never far from him when it was time to relax or wind down in the evenings. He also found great joy spending time with his daughter's dog. They were wonderful companions to one another.

Douglas and Heidi lived in their home in Cherry Valley for over 50 years. They enjoyed their large property, with a swimming pool and garden, and took pride in the landscaping and growing a variety of fruits. In 2022, they purchased a smaller home in Yucaipa to be closer to their daughter Sonja. While it was a big change for them, they loved their new home. Douglas especially loved the view from the living room. So many spectacular sunsets could be seen from those windows and the backyard on clear days. His family was able to view a beautiful sunset with him on his final day. They will always treasure that moment and think of him fondly whenever there is a beautiful sunset.

Douglas is survived by his wife Heidi, sister Jean, daughters Brigitte (husband Douglas), Sonja and Delia (husband Matt), grandchildren Stacy (husband Sam), Ava, Drew and Emily, and great-granddaughters Leena and Leighton. He is missed dearly. His family will forever cherish all of the wonderful memories they created together, and will always admire his strength, courage and kindness to everyone around him.

Rest in peace, Douglas, Dad, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, and Friend. You were a good man and will always remain in our hearts.

A graveside service is scheduled for April 19, 2024 at 11:00am at Mountain View Cemetery, 1315 Edgar Ave, Beaumont, CA 92223.