Douglas William Finch was born September 1, 1943, to Venice Wignall Finch and Merlin William Finch. With one look at his deep dimples and mischievous glint in his eyes, his mother knew she would have a lifetime filled with joy or heartache and it was up to her to shift her paradigm depending on the circumstances. His dad knew that it would be critical to instill a work ethic in him that would require diligence and determination. Both were successful.

Raised with three brothers on one of the prominent fruit farms in Orem, Utah, Doug learned the value of physical work. He formed a strong opinion towards idleness. He chose to fill spare time with activities such as accepting any dare that may come his way. One resulted in holding a dynamite cap at the age of 11 years old and partially blowing off his thumb and index finger.

Most people would have been devastated by this. Instead, Doug did a hard pivot and committed to excelling in what others said he would never be able to do. His handwriting was impeccable, he became a master marksman, and he lettered in multiple sports. Baseball being his all-around favorite. He delivered newspapers on his beloved horse with precise accuracy and speed that he always looked back on fondly.

Doug graduated from Orem High School in 1961 and attended Snow College where he was a lifeguard. After school, he returned to Utah County and worked for US Steel at Geneva, primarily in the Open Hearth, for 26 years.

He met his bride, Linda Behrman, when she sought him out to help her with an injured horse. Once he met Linda and her two children, Doug knew that he didn't want to spend his life without them. Timing had to be just right – after the late hunt and before the prime duck hunt started, and to get the tax benefits, Doug and Linda traveled to Elko Nevada in a blizzard on New Years Eve, 1966, where they exchanged their vows. They raised a beautiful family with 7 children, all in a 2 bedroom, 1 bath home in the heart of Orem. Working for US Steel, Doug and Linda took every opportunity during long changes to expose their children to any and all things outdoors. From fishing, hunting, glassing for animals, there was never a finer moment than when the entire family was corralled into the '78 Ford to make lasting memories.

When Geneva Steel's time was over, Doug was excited to take the opportunity to attend a guide school in Montana for outfitters. He wanted to perfect his skills, so that each person he had the opportunity to guide would have the best of his abilities. For the rest of his able days, he could be found on any mountain range, glassing for deer, bugling for elk, following a blood trail or fly fishing.

When you find something you love, you never work a day in your life. Doug lived by this motto and instilled this in the lives of his children. All have found solace in nature and will continue to see him hiking amongst the trees in well-worn hiking boots, they will see him in the rivers casting a fly line with precise aim with a fly that specific honey hole requires, all while wearing his Bucks and Bulls hat. The phrase – "hold tight to the iron rod," meant something different for him, and obviously his family. It meant, keep your decisions sure and straight, yet use your toolbox to adapt to your current environment.

He guided for Bucks and Bulls for 26 years and excelled at finding trophy animals for his hunters. Sportsman's Warehouse sought him out to provide a level of expertise in the fishing department where he forged lasting friendships with others of his caliber. He was a certified fly casting instructor and a master of fly tying. He perfected the art and has been featured in multiple publications and won international fly tying competitions. He tied flies for Park Sportsman's, Strawberry Bay Marina, and Jack Dennis Outdoor Shop in Jackson Hole Wyoming.

He loved it when his grandchildren were interested in the things he loved and met them with enthusiasm. He loved to teach them what he knew. Doug was happiest in the mountains, on rivers and streams. Our family asks in lieu of flowers to please consider planting a tree in his tribute. The mountains are calling, and he must go…

A huge thank you to his team of caregivers that helped us care for dad at home; Dr Weinstein, Charleen, Andrea, Payden, Deanne, Molly, Rosie, Mauricio, Diana, Jennifer & Marie. It wasn't always easy. But you found your way into his heart, and you will always be in ours.

Doug is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Linda, and his grandson Alex. He is survived by 7 children Mike (Patti) Lallas, Gay Tregaskis, Brock (Joey) Finch, Brandon Finch, Stephanie Puffer, Nicole Finch, Heather (Brian) Marshall, 23 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

Services will be held at Walker Sanderson Funeral Home 646 E 800 N Orem, Utah with viewings on Friday, January 12th 6-8pm and Saturday, January 13th 10:30 – 11:30 Funeral on Saturday, January 13th at 12pm.