Ulane E. Finn, age 92, of Lynden, passed away Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018, surrounded by family. He was known for his love of meeting people, generous spirit and fun sense of humor.
Ulane was born in Chamberlain, South Dakota, to parents Harry and Opal (Urban) Finn on June 18, 1926. He was the third of four children.
After graduating high school, Ulane joined the U.S. Navy, serving from 1944 to 1946. He was a gunner on the USS Casablanca.
Ulane married Patricia Hagan on Nov. 14, 1950, in Midland, South Dakota, and together they had two daughters, Deborah and Rebecca. At 17, Becky died in a car accident in Sedro-Woolley.
Ulane was a self-taught residential builder who built his first house in South Dakota and then moved out to the Seattle area, Anchorage, Alaska, and Skagit County. He learned everything from drafting, electrical and plumbing through to the finishing details. His wife would help with interior design, even to sewing the curtains.
Ulane loved King salmon fishing in Alaska and growing vegetables to share with friends and neighbors. One day, Ulane met a young man Eddy and saw he was broke and struggling, so he took Eddy under his wing and taught him how to build homes. Ulane had patience and a tender way about him.
Ulane is survived by his wife of 67 years, Patricia; daughter Deborah of Blaine; grandson Jason of Blaine; and brother Delmer Finn (Nina) of South Dakota.
He was preceded in death by daughter Rebecca, brother Dwane Finn, and sister Dorothy (Dale) Brown.
A private family service is being planned for later in the year. You are invited to share your condolences and memories in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Lynden.
