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On September 9, 2021, SCORE Greater Phoenix lost one of its skilled mentors, Don Finch. He volunteered his extensive business knowledge for SCORE for over 9 years through mentoring and leadership. First in Gilbert then for over 6 years in Tempe.
Don passed away suddenly in his home. Don served SCORE clients for over 9 years, Don was very active and mentored well over 2000 small businesses during his time at SCORE. Besides mentoring Don was on the Chapter Executive Committee for over 6 years and active in training new mentors. Don was known to say “yes” to participation in all Chapter activities. Don was extremely positive and had a genuine “client first” attitude. He wanted everyone to be successful.
He was born in Ontario, Canada, and immigrated to the US after his company transferred him. Don was also sent by his company to live and work in France. He was a man of great faith and active in his church, and wore his love of the Green Bay Packers, British sports cars, and his Scottish heritage on his sleeve.
He was a past president of the Caledonian Society of Arizona, and the Mesa Caledonaian Pipe Band played at his memorial service on Friday, September 17, 2021:
His successful career is a testimony to his problem-solving, people skills and personal integrity. He sped through life here on earth at full throttle with an instatiable curiosity recounting mostly true adventures and expereinces. Speaking up and speaking out.
Here’s is how some of his clients and colleagues felt:
Don believed in me and supported me even when I was down on myself. His positive attitude and knowledge of the food industry were invaluable to me. I can never repay what he did for me.
Alvin, client
Don was an incredible SCORE mentor and more importantly, person. We met monthly for 15 years. Several years into the relationship, Steve Engelhardt joined Don and the two of them were Free Spirit Vacations “Board of Directors”. They provided invaluable insight, advise and solutions. And sometimes they just listened. I am so appreciative of their time and their friendship. I will miss Don’s upbeat personality and caring spirit.
Sue, client
I was a friend of Don’s through SCORE and am so sorry to hear of his passing. Hard to believe. He was a great guy and we will miss him tremendously. My deepest condolences for your loss.
Brian J. Burt
I had the pleasure of working for many years with Don on the SCORE Executive Committee. He was a natural leader with impressive business knowledge and a gift of being able to support or challenge issues in a compelling and diplomatic way that changed opinions. He loved to be with people, was fun to be with, and we all benefited from coffee meetings he organized our members. I will miss him.
Jim Newman, SCORE Mentor
He was a colleague, a mentor, a friend, and a jokester. All wrapped up in a kilt of tartan. Don's friendship meant a great deal to me, and I enjoyed laughing with him and his counsel on several occasions. My friend, you will be missed, until we meet again--with your bagpipes in hand.
Pete Meir, SCORE Mentor
Some pictures of Don from Facebook.
