From ABC Alaska News [here]
Alaska Women in Timber, former Ketchikan City Council member and a co-founder of Alaska Cruise Lecturers Helen Finney died Feb. 25, 2008, in Ketchikan. She was 79.
She was born Helen Ruth Yaw on Nov. 9, 1928, in Sitka, to Caroline (Witzigman) Yaw and Les Yaw, a director of the Sheldon Jackson School during the 1930s and ’40s, and later, manager of the Sitka Pioneers Home.
She attended Sitka High School, Cornell College of Iowa and Washington State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications.
She also was a teacher, cruise lecturer, political activist and advocate for Alaska who lectured on Southeast history and geography for 30 years. Her community service also included stints on the Alaska State Board on Post-secondary Education, Alaska State Parks Advisory Board, Ketchikan Children’s Home board, Ketchikan Gateway Borough Planning Commission, and the board of directors of Ketchikan community radio station KRBD.
While at WSU, she met Don Finney, a forestry major at the nearby University of Idaho. He had spent a summer working on the green chain at the Ketchikan Spruce Mill and had decided to return to Alaska when he graduated. They were married on Dec. 18, 1951, at the Sitka Presbyterian Church. … [more]
April 14, 2008 | Topic: Latest Forest News
April 14th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Helen Finney. Even her name evokes a smile and always the memory of those sparkling blue eyes. This vibrant and special woman was my friend.
In Sparks, Nevada, at an American Agri-Women and American Women In Timber conference in November 2001, she removed the Alaska Women In Timber pin she was wearing and pinned it on me when I praised its beauty. With tears in her eyes, she said she no longer needed it, because Alaska Women In Timber would cease to exist on December 31st after a quarter-century.
This pin hangs prominently in my office, less than two feet from my keyboard, reminding me daily of her heroic efforts on behalf of Alaska’s timber-related economy.
I am grateful for all the things that put her and me in the same place at the same time, that one time, for it was a deep and abiding, unforgettable blessing. Four years later, out of the blue, I received a dear card and donation from her. The postmark was Hawaii, where she and Don were spending time as she cared for him. This morning I awakened, wondering again why her email address was no longer working, and checked the Internet, thinking Don had slipped the bonds of earth. No, it was Helen. In less than two years, two Helens, both very dear to me, have gone Home. Both have surely made Heaven shine brighter!
April 14th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
See also:
Helen Finney: Hey Youngster!
By Dave Kiffer, Stories In The News, Ketchikan, Alaska [here]
Ketchikan, Alaska - I can’t remember how many times I heard that call, usually while I was wandering aimlessly in the aisles at one of our local supermarkets.
It was an announcement that I was about to get an audience with Helen Finney.
I don’t mean to make it sound like Helen Finney was the “queen” of Ketchikan. Far from it. She was much more of a down to earth, roll your sleeves up and “get cracking” kind of person. But she certainly was a “grand dame” of Ketchikan.
When I think of Helen - something I have been doing all week since I heard she had finally succumbed to leukemia - I think of a variation on that famous Robert Kennedy quote “There are those that look at things the way they are and ask ‘why’ and “I dream things that never were and ask ‘why not.’”
For Helen, the next step would be to immediately say “and what I can I do about it?” Then she would add “and how can I get you to help me?”
Which was usually what Helen had in mind when she would “accost” me in public.
Inevitably, she had an idea for something, something that would clearly be a good thing for the community, but would require some work to bring to fruition.
Something like expansion of local beaches or better athletic facilities or even re-beautifying Ketchikan’s Downtown.
“Hey Youngster,” she would say, even long after I had passed the youngster stage. “I’ve been thinking about something.” … [more]
April 14th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
See also:
Tribute to a Great Lady, Helen Finney
by Phyllis Yetka Hobson, Fredericksburg, VA [here]
Thank you Mr. Kiffer for the lovely thoughts of a lovely lady. Helen Finney was indeed the “Grand Dame” of Ketchikan. She was also one of my role models.
She was a lady who would have an idea and could accomplish her goals. Her strong suit was the ability to find the right person to help her attain those goals. She would make the task fun and rewarding.
I had heard Helen was ill and had a note to her on my desk when I saw the notice of her death. Helen was a person who loved people and especially the people of Ketchikan and Alaska. I miss her even from across the nation. I just wish I had not waited to find the right words to say to Helen.
I extend my sympathy to her family and all her friends. Thank you, Helen, for everything you did for all of us.
April 14th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
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by Jill Lukin, Palmer, Alaska [here]
I am saddened to hear of Helen’s passing, I met Helen years ago while I had my hair salon in Ketchikan. I always looked forward to Helen’s next perm or haircut at the Salon to just get caught up on everyday events… and where she was off to on a new adventure. I learned a lot from Helen, she was so knowledgeable on just about everything. I know one thing for sure is the love she had for her husband, kids and grandchildren was endless. Over ten years ago Helen gave me a little crystal angel that sat on my hair station, she said it was to watch over me, I still look at that angel everyday as it has now moved to my kitchen bay window sill — now Helen is with the angels. My life has been enriched by knowing Helen and I must say I’m so glad I got that chance.
April 14th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
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by Lynne Miller, Portland, Oregon [here]
Sweet memories of Helen permeate my kitchen here oh so many miles away from Ketchikan. I see Helen Finney’s smiling face in that beautiful picture next to the notice of her passing published in the Ketchikan Daily News and I smile at all the sweet memories of times we shared together. Elbow to elbow with Helen in the kitchen at the Presbyterian Church was a warm, inviting, fine place in all of this world to be — as fine a place as any. I had already planned to make Helen’s creamy hash browns for Easter breakfast — put perhaps I will make them this Sunday for my family instead - “feeding” my need (and my husband Rick’s) to remain connected to such a special person as our dear friend Helen Finney. Creamy hash browns it will be, Helen — and some time in the next month or two, your Mystery Cake will be served up for the Miller family, also. You live on forever in our memories and our family meal times. Savoring memories of you, Helen, your smile, your kind actions and true friendship expressed toward all the Miller’s is now each of our genuine ‘gift’ from you to carry forward. Thanks for everything, Helen. Thanks most of all for the privilege of knowing you.
April 14th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
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By Nellie Cleveland, Raymond, Washington [here]
For all of my life, I will consider myself and everyone who knew her to have had our lives been made more magical by Helen Finney. She was a friend indeed!
My girls will always remember Grandma Finney’s teaparty and fairy hut construction projects, and I will remember her infectious smile and determination. A truly marvelous woman, she continues to inspire me.