Finger Family Genealogical DatabaseLast Update 06/28/2020

William Ralph Finger, who was 'Ralph' to all who knew him well, was born on June 1, 1915 in Akron, Ohio and passed away October 22, 2006 in Santa Rosa, California. Ralph lived in Akron, Ohio until he joined the U.S. Navy at age 19. For 12 years, he served primarily in the South Pacific, earning the rank of lieutenant commander and receiving the Bronze Star Medal for bravery as a U.S.S. Arizona survivor.

In 1940, Ralph married Mary Louise Alexander, and in 1942 they had a daughter, Nancy. After leaving the Navy, Ralph and his family settled in Long Beach, California. For the next three decades, he worked as a custom cabinetmaker for Muench, Inc. and was known for his art and perfection in cabinetry.

Always loving a warm climate, Ralph and Mary moved from Long Beach in the 1970s to Palm Desert, California. There, they enjoyed cultivating cacti and oleander, and Ralph continued his cabinetwork with Wood Specialties Co. until Mary's death in 1986. For the next few years, Ralph and his sister, Jane, spent many a day traveling by motor home to their favorite spots in and around California. During this time, Ralph formed a friendship with Harrilee Gates, who had been Jane's longtime colleague and friend. Soon, Ralph and Harrilee married, and moved from Palm Desert to Hemet, California, where they lived for the next 12 years with their shitzu, Mei Ling, until Harrilee's death in 2001.

Wishing to be near family, Ralph and his dog moved to Portland, Oregon in 2002, but found the weather too cold, windy and wet. After a wonderful visit with Ms. Kenny McMillian, a treasured family friend, Ralph and Mei Ling moved once again. This time it was to sunny Middletown, California, where he spent, as he said himself, some of the happiest years of his life on a beautiful ranch, sharing his memories with a dear and lovely friend.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Olive Mayo and Alfred Carl Finger sister, Marjorie Jane Mitchella his wives, Mary and Harrilee and his little dog, Mei Ling. He is survived by his daughter, Nancy Brazell of Portland, Oregon his grandson, Greg Stock of Redondo Beach, California his granddaughter, Wendy Lemmerman and great granddaughter, Sophie Lemmerman of Croissy-sur-Seine, France. Ralph will be buried at sea in a private ceremony. Long Beach Press-Telegram November 12, 2006