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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
FINKLEMAN, Irving - The family of Captain Irving Finkleman sadly announces his passing Thursday, May 15, surrounded by love and care. He is survived by his daughters Tamara Maxim and Ilana Moon, and his six grandchildren, Maisha, Cheyenne, Deliah, Amani, Kandé, and Sofia. Missing his presence in their lives are his siblings, Laura, Donna, Harold, Paul, Monte, Ronna, and Rena, and their spouses. He was predeceased by his beloved sister, Sharon.
Irv entered the world in 1940, the first of nine children born to Sam and Emily Finkleman. Throughout his life, he had a brilliant love affair with electronics. As a super-smart young whipper-snapper, he enjoyed taking apart transistor radios and putting them back together. In 1957, he joined the Navy, starting out at HMCS Tecumseh in Calgary, and travelled the world on a number of ships. He also spent time in Masset, Gander, and Penhold, earned a Psychology Degree from the University of Victoria, and for several years was stationed in Alert, the Canadian Armed Forces base on the far northern tip of Ellesmere Island. When he left there, his crew presented him with a going-away plaque that read: "World's Most Northerly Jew."
Upon retiring from the Navy in 1983, Irv worked with Sony as a Service Technician, where he quickly became 'the go-to guy' when it came to difficult-to-fix jobs. As a lifelong Ham Radio enthusiast, he endeared himself to friends across the globe with his always ready sense of humour and willingness to help anybody needing solutions to technical problems.
Generous and soft-hearted, Irv volunteered for many years at Providence Creche where he was affectionately known as Grampa Irv.
Special thanks go to his youngest sister, Rena Richards, and brother Paul Finkleman, for 'being there' to care for him whenever he needed help, especially as he became less mobile over the past few years. A private funeral will be held to celebrate a life well-led. We salute you, Irv, and will miss you dearly.
Donations in Irv's loving memory can be made to Providence Special Child Care Centre, 5232 4th Street, SW T2V 0Z4. (The Calgary Herald 24 May 2025)
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