James Campbell Finlay

Cam was born in 1931 in Russell, Manitoba. He was the oldest of three children, Donnie Dunn (Dave) and Bill (Susan), born of Hugh and Muriel Finlay. Cam’s early years were spent in rural Manitoba and northern BC, which he credits for sparking his life long interest in nature. From a young age, his parents encouraged his keen curiosity and voracious reading.

Growing up in the dirty 30’s, Cam developed a practical, frugal sensibility. No fuss, no frills, tough it out and get it done. If it doesn’t work, shrug it off and try another way. This determined and resilient mind set served him well throughout his life as he was a trail blazer and champion for nature and natural history.

Cam obtained his science degree in geology from Brandon College (now Brandon University) where he met his wife and life partner of 66 years, Joy. He became a geologist for Shell Oil and traveled throughout the north, where he began to take a keen interest in birds. With Joy’s encouragement, he then went back to school to get his master’s in zoology, focussing on his beloved purple martins. Shortly thereafter, he became the first chief park naturalist for Elk Island National Park, just east of Edmonton. A few years later, he was recruited by City of Edmonton Senior manager, John Janzen, to develop Fort Edmonton and the City Archives. Cam used his characteristic unbridled enthusiasm and determination to ignore any politics and controversy around the project, focussing on hiring great people, using authentic methods, and getting things done. Next, he turned his considerable energy and ability to instill loyalty and productivity in his people, to starting the John Janzen Nature Centre. Cam remained with the City of Edmonton for the rest of his career, playing an integral role in protecting and preserving Edmonton’s parks and river valley and natural history.

Cam and Joy together wrote several natural history and bird books, including the Bird Finding Guide to Canada, and contributed a weekly column on discovering nature in our backyard, for the Edmonton Journal. Cam was active in the Edmonton Bird Club, the Edmonton Natural History Club, and several other provincial and national museum and nature associations and events.

Cam retired in 1991 and he and Joy retired to Victoria, BC in 1996, where he continued to indulge his curiosity in birds, first with further work to increase the knowledge on purple martins, and then turning his eye to hummingbirds. Cam used his master banding status to gather data about this little understood species. His enthusiasm, together with the hummingbird’s natural charisma, were infectious, and soon he had a large network of keen hummingbird supporters and banders gathering important data across BC and Alberta. The hummingbird project continues to thrive, providing ongoing important data to scientists about their habitat, behaviour, migratory patterns, and vulnerability to changing ecosystems.

Cam received several local, provincial and national awards for his lifelong dedication to preserving nature and natural history, including being named to the City of Edmonton Hall of Fame, and receiving the Canadian Nature Federation’s highest award, the Douglas Pimlott Award.

Cam was a mentor and friend to many. His can-do attitude and belief in others inspired all those who came in contact with him to pursue their interests, push past barriers, and make the world a better place. Cam was forever selfless, preferring to get things done and celebrate the successes of others, rather than focussing attention on himself.

Cam and Joy had three children, Brett (Jane), Warren (Susan Fenske) and Rhonda Johnson (Blake). He was a very proud Gramps to 7 grandchildren, Chris (Emily), Jessica (Matt), Paul (Lauren), Liam (Christina), Jenise (Chris), Cassia (Braiden) and Annika; and three great grandchildren, Quinn, Kip and Aubrey. Cam was also close to Joy’s siblings and their extended families - Art (Lorraine), Lois (Brent) and Ray (Anne).

Cam showed his love for his family thru action- you could count on him to drive you anywhere, any time, for any purpose. If it involved family he would be there, with his trademark good attitude, no matter what.

Cam and Joy had a wide range of friends and colleagues, and Cam was always enthusiastic and welcoming of guests to their home, where Joy always had spare baking in the freezer to go with tea, and Cam always indulged in seconds of anything sweet.

Together, Joy and Cam had a very full life together, until Joy’s passing in 2021. The family is grateful for such great parents and grandparents.

Cam’s belief in us, and in our collective ability to make a difference will fuel and nurture us. His curiosity, enthusiasm for life, and practical, can-do attitude inspired all he came in contact with. We will honour him by staying curious and productive, and by making sure to note every bird that flies by.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Beaverhill Bird Observatory at http://www.beaverhillbirds.com/get-involved/donate/ Funds raised will further help with ongoing banding projects to better understand and protect migratory birds.