John Francis Finn, a 105-year-old veteran known for flying his American flag high every day at his Birch Bay home, is being remembered for his service and dedication to democracy following his death last month.
“He was a very proud American,” his wife, Barbara Finn, said. “He was very dedicated to the point where he flew the flag every day.”
The World War II veteran’s story started on August 20, 1920, when he was born in Escanaba, Michigan. He spent his childhood in Marquette, Michigan before manufacturing Sherman tanks at Ford Motor Company’s Detroit plant in his early 20s. It was there, in 1942, when Finn was drafted and his trajectory changed from being a young Midwesterner to a U.S. Coast Guard member.
Finn’s service began on the Cutter Mahoning, an ice breaker in New York. He was later transferred to the FS-268, which transported supplies in the South Pacific. Finn, a quartermaster and signalman, was one of 22 aboard the FS-268, along with guard dogs and even a monkey.
His memories of that time included close surveillance while sailing through the Panama Canal; a kitchen fire after unloading torpedoes; and a Filipino girl named Nina, who’d wear a gunny sack and trade fresh fruit for cigarettes, which out-valued money.
When interviewed last year by The Northern Light, Finn said he still got sea sick thinking of the South Pacific. Something Finn also kept with him was the relief of returning home – especially since his ship was considered expendable.
Once back home on Michigan soil, Finn earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Michigan, thanks to the GI Bill. He dedicated 35 years to the Pittsburg Corning Corporation, which eventually brought him to Canada, where he met Barbara.
In the civilian world, Finn lived a life full of fly fishing, skiing, sailing and golfing – but his deep appreciation of the U.S. flag never wavered. Every single day, as long as the weather allowed, Finn hung his U.S. flag outside of his home. So many flags were hung, folded, hung, folded, day in and day out, that Finn eventually lost count.
Finn was known for displaying the 48-star flag, a token he kept from the FS-268, at his home in Birch Bay Village. The Sons of the American Revolution honored Finn with a flag award for his exemplary patriotism in June 2022.
“The flag is significant of the wonderful land we live in. It’s very precious to me,” Finn said at the time. “I have a lot of respect for it.”
Finn died peacefully from heart complications on October 11 in his home. He was laid to rest alongside fellow veterans on October 23 at the Greenacres Memorial Park in Ferndale. His military funeral featured a gun salute that ended with the sun coming out.
Barbara remembered Finn as the love of her life; a kind-hearted man, devoted Catholic, active community member, faithful sailor and one who never turned down a cribbage game.
Finn journaled nearly every day while in the service, something Barbara is now allowing family members to decide whether they would like to keep or be shared publicly. Other items from Finn, including his uniform and some stories, will be archived in Seattle.
“You could really write a book about him,” Barbara said.
To celebrate Veterans Day, Finn visited Bob’s Burgers and Brew in Birch Bay every year, where veterans receive a free meal and share camaraderie. Barbara has decided not to return to Bob’s without Finn this year, but the flag on their front porch has flown high every day since October 11.
“As long as I’m in this house, I will continue to do it,” Barbara said of displaying the flag. “Up at sunrise and down at sunset. John did it with dedication.”
