Memories of John Ender Finley

In memory of

John Ender Finley

Calabasas, CA, USA

January 28, 1970 - June 13, 2021

Jan 28, 1970 - Jun 13, 2021

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Janine Monroe

Trudie and family,, I was so sad to here about John passing away. There are no words to express my sorrow to his family. I met John along time ago swimming in the summer at Bolling AFB. And again at Canterbuty School. He gave me a love of Deep Purple and the Scorpions that I still have today. Good memories! As often happens we lost touch along time ago. All of the family are in my thoughts. J. M..

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Steve Gregory

11-19 at John’s place in Albany, Ca.

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Steve Gregory

My Buddy Ender, I’m so sad that you have gone to heaven. We have enjoyed great times in the last 25 years and I miss our daily calls and check in’s. You presented yourself as a good hearted, smart, creative, humble, personable Guy. A proud Man with a good soul but most importantly a great Father. You loved and were so proud of your Mother, Family and especially your Children. Your Kids were your life and they never went unattended or without, as you spent your time at their games and practices year after year, You are a Super Dad , which is so admirable. You and I talked about everything regularly throughout the years and I miss cussing you about smoking so much and our frequent name calling. I’m disappointed that you didn’t share your recent personal issues as I would have been there to help. I will miss you..
R.I.P. my friend..
Steve

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Steve Gregory

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Roz Fox

I’m not sure where to start…there’s not enough text to write about all that is Ender. I’ve literally been sick over his unexpected loss. There are two people in my life who have inspired my art from the start- my dear sister Jannette & Ender. She passed away in June as well, 5yrs. ago. The month of June has forever changed for me. Ender & I have kept in touch on and off over the years. I always worried about him & his family during any of the CA wildfires. Last year, it was so bad, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I reached out to him to make sure both him & his family were safe. This started a wonderful reconnection after many years. Over the months before his passing, we spent hours and hours over the phone catching up. We reflected on lots of Canterbury memories. He reminded of the times during high school, when my Mom used to try to listen to our phone calls and he would mock her voice. I couldn’t believe he still remembered that. It was such a joy for me learning about each other and from each other as adults. As adults, the conversations were so free, raw and fun. Our laughter….my God our laughs. One time, we laughed for 4 straight hours. My insides were hurting the next day. But it’s a pain I would welcome again, anytime. Then, we started up again just thinking about it. At times laughing so damn hard, he would drop the phone or have to call me back after he regained his breath. I couldn’t breath or talk either. That would make him laugh even more. One of the first things he asked me after we reconnected was, “Are you still painting and drawing?” I loved that. He was the first person that I made special drawings for…he still had them after all these years. I have some paintings he asked me to do and I plan to finish them as an ode to him. I wish he was still here for me to give to in person. He was there from the beginning of me coming into my own. In high school, especially during 11th & 12th grades, he would inspire me and give me guidance whenever I was frustrated with an art piece or I found myself stuck in one place. I never forgot that…up until he passed, he was still giving me awesome ideas for art. We planned to blend our arts together for some special projects. I never thought that now, I would be painting a portrait of him as a memorial. But my heart & soul says it something I must do…must do to help me cope with his loss and must do as a heartfelt thank-you for all the love & support, inspiration he gave me. At times, we would also discuss one of his arts - cooking. I learned so much from him. He would teach me techniques over the phone and share some of his recipes with me. He was a great teacher. I appreciated every moment of him sharing his gift with me. One time, we were talking and I was cutting an onion. I had no idea he was listening & paying attention to how I was cutting the onion while we were talking:

John: Are you done?
Me: Whattttt?
John: Are you done killing that thing?

After a pause, I busted out laughing. He was so good, he knew I was using the wrong type of knife, the wrong cutting board and that I was cutting it the wrong way! I bought a “real” proper knife, board and started cutting the way he told me to. It changed everything! What a difference…I made my first fresh spring rolls over the phone with his guidance. They turned out so well, he said, “You’re hired.” Our arts blended so well together with ease…kindred spirits.

He made my 50th birthday (last December) unforgettable. I will also miss sharing our moon photos from coast to coast. I will treasure every conversation over the 8 months up until my last conversation with him in May. Not knowing it was going to be our last…there are very few people in life you have a deep connection with - Ender was one of them. I am blessed to have known him and for our reconnection. As with my sister, I will do things & take on new challenges/experiences in his name and to honor him. I have some special things planned already…he went to the stars too soon.

To the family, my deepest sympathy…a brother, a son, and a father…a piece of the heart that can never be replaced or forgotten. Sending you all love & healing prayers 💙

Ender, to you… I will always carry you in my heart and see you in the sky. We are still connected, nothing can break that…There are reminders/signs of you everywhere. I will never get over your loss, I will never forget you….I love you💙🌌🌙✨✨ Soar high in the sky, your soul is free…💙 Roz ♒️♐️

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Dewi Cashion

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Stacy Scott

John was always Trudies little brother and was loved by all that knew him! He will be greatly missed!

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Scott White

It was so great to get to know John in recent years. He blessed me and my family. See you again, Cousin John.

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Donna Maxwell

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Donna Maxwell

I will always remember John as Trudie’s little brother. Who happened to be super cute! My heart aches for my friend, who I know loved her brother immensely. Rest Easy John💙 I love you Trudie❤️

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Gilda Merson

My heart aches for all of us that knew and loved John. He is one of the people I loved most in this world and my heart is broken. I am so blessed to have known him and so proud to call him one of my dearest friends. I will miss him for the rest of my days. He is forever a part of my soul and who I am. I love you so much John and I am so grateful for our time together. I will miss laughing with you till we cry and can't even breathe. I will cherish every memory I have with you and am so thankful for this past year and the conversations we shared. Thank you John for being a part of my life. You mean more to me than you will ever know. If I had known our last conversation was going to be our last, I would have told you how much I love you and how grateful I am to you for just being in my life. I hope that somehow you know that when I look back on my life and think about some of the happiest memories I have, I see your face there. I love you so much and I will miss you always.
Rest in peace my dear friend,
Gilda

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