FINCH, CHARLES LINCOLN: It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Charles Lincoln Finch, son of a pioneer Penticton family, at the age of 88. Charles was born at the family home on Evans Loop on February 12th, 1924 to Sidney Finch and Mabel (Callaghan) Finch. He served in the RCAF (seconded to the RAF) in World War 2 as a Lancaster Pilot flying missions over Europe, and after his discharge was part of the DVA Fairview Heights Land Project on the Cawston bench where he farmed as a fruit rancher and sheep farmer for thirty-six years. He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-seven years, Hildred (Thompson), six children, Steven (Terry) Dale, David (Nicola), Sidney (Sharon), Vincent, Dorothy (Frank), Grandchildren Cameron, Paul and Scott, Kathleen, Calen, Cameron Belway, Cindy Anne, Charles, Wenonah, Jessica, David, Eve, Jeff and Ashley and four great grandchildren, Aiden, Cadence, Lincoln and Corbin, his sister, Wenonah Sharpe and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Hazel, and his two brothers, Gordon in March, 1945 at the Battle for the Hochweld Gap and Tom in 1944 at the Battle of Falaise. In his public life Charles' motto was one of service. He took his citizenship seriously and his involvement locally saw him serve as Chairman of the Cawston B.C. Centennial Committee and Canada's Centennial in 1967. He was a Past President of the Okanagan Historical Society, Keremeos Branch and as a F/Lt commanded the 582 Panda Squadron, Keremeos Air Cadets from 1952 to 1962. He was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion, having served as President of Branch 192 in 1978-79 and 1984-1988. In the field of Education Charles was a member of Keremeos School District #16 for twelve years, ten of which he was Board Chairman. At the same time he was one of the driving forces behind the formation of Okanagan College as Chairman of the Council from 1966 to 1972 as well as President of the B.C. Association of Colleges from 1969 to 1972. He was an Executive member of the B.C. Fruit Growers' Association, a Director of the B.C. Federation of Agriculture, President of the B.C. Sheep Breeders Co-operative Association for ten years from 1976 to 1986, Chairman of the B.C. Sheep and Wool Commission from 1976-1981 and a Director of the Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers from 1979-1989. In his retirement years he enjoyed fishing and camping with friends and family; his involvement with the Keremeos Ecumenical Parish, and most especially the friendships of the Senior's Singing Group. He will be sadly missed by his family, who loved him dearly and hold him in great respect. A service will be held at St. John the Divine, 5th Street, Keremeos on Saturday, November 24th at 2:00 p.m., Rev. Ray Turner officiating. Arrangements are in the hands of Providence Funeral Home. Our thanks to the doctors and nurses who cared for him, and the ambulance attendants who were so tender and capable with him after his fall. Condolences may be sent to the family through providencefuneralhomes.com