Ryan M. Finn
Ryan M. Finn, 41, died December 4, 2019, after a valiant battle with cancer. Ryan was a much-loved 5th grade teacher at Maize South Elementary School. It became a tradition that students in his current class were referred to as “Finn’s Finnions”. In addition to teaching, he worked additional jobs and co-owned a successful small business. Ryan held both undergraduate and master’s degrees from Wichita State University, where he graduated with honors. Ryan was an avid soccer player, earning all-state honors and also playing on the 1996 high school state championship team with Wichita Northwest before going on to play in college. He never lost his love for soccer and made several trips to Europe to watch various professional teams. The family wishes to thank Dr. Deutsch of the Cancer Center of Kansas, his staff, and especially the chemotherapy nurses for their attentive and personal care. Enormous gratitude is owed to Dr. Giovanni of the Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice Inpatient Unit, the Harry Hynes staff, and especially the nurses for the unbelievably compassionate care they gave Ryan and his family. Ryan is survived by his parents, Pat and Rose Finn and three siblings, Jennifer (Joe) Whalen of Glenview, IL, Sean (Jill) of Lawrence, KS and Greg (Angie) of Wichita, KS. Rosary, 9:30 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m., both Saturday, December 7, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.
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I worked with Finn a few years ago at The Brickyard. Ill never forget how kind and warm hearted he was, always thanked customers who said please and thank you and always had a smile on his face. I still to this day always tell stories of nights at the yard and will always remember some of the good advice he always gave, even if I was too young and nieve to really understand at the time, he was a good hearted man and was and will always be a friend whom I wish I spent more time with. Working there everyone was treated like family and Finn was always a great person to talk to whenever you needed to. Im sad to hear of his loss and wish nothing but thoughts and well wishes to his family and those who were closet to him in the end… “End? No, the journey doesn’t end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take.”
In memory of Ryan M. Finn, Elliott Mansfield lit a candle
We were blessed to have Mr. Finn as my son’s teacher last school year. He was patient and encouraging despite all he was battling personally. He will truly be missed!
Mr. Finn was my daughter’s 5th grade teacher. He was so passionate about the kids. Mr. Finn, you will be missed by so many!!!!! Thank you!!!!
My family and I send our deepest condolences to you all. My daughter Kiley was lucky enough to have Mr. Finn as her 5th grade teacher. We will always be thankful that she was blessed to have been taught by one of the greatest!! May you Rest In Peace Mr. Finn
Mr. Finn as we know him from SEAS had great concern for all if his students especially those who were outcasted or bullied by their peers. He kept a special eye on my daughter as her 5th grade teacher after my divorce while we were were vulnerable. I always thanked him for taking special care of her at school. We love you Mr. Finn and will always remember the social place you had at SEAS and in our lives there.
I was a student of Mr.Finn and he has always been one of my favorites. He not only was an amazing teacher but was equally as good of a person. I will never forget the many life lessons he taught me.
Saying Prayers for all. May the Good Lord wrap his loving arms around you to help bring you some Comfort and Peace. 🙏
In memory of Ryan M. Finn, kaitlyn spillman lit a candle
As his student 10 years ago, he gave me the nickname “Toothy”. He was by far my favorite teacher and I will never forget how much fun I had in his class.
Our prayers are with you at this difficult time. He was way too young. May he rest in peace. 🙏🙏🙏🙏
My heart felt condolences for his family, Mr. Fin was a great man and colleague he always had a smile on his face. He will be greatly missed thought and prayers are with his family.
Thank you for all the memories and great times! Love you rest easy!!
Thinking of all of Ryan’s friends, family and students.
Ryan always put a smile on people’s faces! Sending thoughts and prayers!
Dear Pat and Rose: I truly can not cope with the thought of losing a child. It is not supposed to happen that way. Your wonderful parents gave you the faith to call upon to get through this incomprehensible time. I’m with you in spirit and pray that you make it through this challenging time by recognizing all the joy that Ryan brought you and the world. All my love to you both. Joe McNeill
You have my deepest sympathy at the loss of your beloved Ryan. May your many wonderful memories bring you comfort and peace. Praying for your family.
Pat, Rose, Sean, Jennifer, Greg, I’m so sorry to learn of Ryans’ passing. My sympathy to the entire family. Of course I remember him as a cute child who lived 2 doors away on Murray. The obit tells me he was a beloved teacher. Right now I’m remembering the day he broke his wrist. Hugs, your former neighbor Jan (was Vavra) Butler
With deepest & heartfelt sympathy! He was a true fighter. He always had a smile on his face when we saw him at the cancer center
He was everyone’s favorite teacher. Made everyone laugh
Very sorry for the families loss, no more pain, medicine side effects or chemo…God has freed him of that and will give him a heavenly body, amen.
So sorry for your loss!! Ryan was a good person inside and out… He will be missed dearly!
In memory of Ryan M. Finn, Hector lujano lit a candle
Rest in peace, Mr. Finn. I still remember my prepositions thanks to you. I’ll also never forget the time I got a highlighter stuck in my cast during class and you took at least an hour to get that thing out for me. It was fun to have you come and scrimmage against us at Carroll as well. You were a great soccer player, teacher, and person.
Sorry for the loss. God gained a great soccer player. Condolences
In memory of Ryan M. Finn, Ryan Waterson lit a candle
In memory of Ryan M. Finn, Patsy Zaruba lit a candle
In memory of Ryan M. Finn, Hilary Louvar lit a candle
Ryan was such a great guy. I always loved it when he and other friends would come over to our house with our son, Cody, Ryan always had the best smile on his face, and was fun and full of grace. My prayers are with his family.
In memory of Ryan M. Finn, Kirsti Smith lit a candle
In memory of Ryan M. Finn, Bob lit a candle
In memory of Ryan M. Finn, Fowlers lit a candle
I was saddened to read of Ryan’s passing, even though I did not know him. I was classmate and friend to Ryan’s father Pat, and knew of his mother Rose. Ryan’s obituary described a very special person who will always be remembered. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for Ryan’s loss, Art Tenbrink
My memories of Ryan began years ago when he and my older brother Brian played on the same club team. He was a player I loved to watch whenever I could. So talented and one of the best, by far, in his age group. I remember my first year in high school, I bought a pair of Copa’s, which was a big deal back then. It was the most expensive pair of boots I had owned up to that point. I went to my one of the club team’s practice and Ryan was showing me a pair of boots he purchased and asked if I wanted to try them on. To make a long story short, he traded me his new boots for mine. Still to this day, I haven’t found a pair of boots that were better than the ones he traded me for. Did I mention his were much more expensive than mine?!? That’s the kind of guy I will always remember him to be. So kind, selfless, and sacrificing. After my brother passed away, I always felt a sense of love and care from Ryan, no matter how much we spent time together. Since high school and college, our contact was much less, but over the past several years, I had the blessing to see him on occasion at indoor games that we were able to play together in. He has been such an inspiration to so many, myself included. Never once did I hear him complain and never once did I see him quit. My memories of Ryan are seeded in and around soccer, but the impact he has had on me and all those around him go much deeper; His heart for people and those relationships, making it about everyone else rather than himself! His genuine heart for people was evident and I will miss our interactions and lacing our boots up together! I can’t help but get a little emotional thinking about how he has been greeted and hugged by an old teammate and friend! Prayers for all the family and friends!!!
Rose and Pat, My heart goes out to you and your family. Ryan is now an angel. Hugs and love, Jann Calkin
He was definitely one of my favorite teachers. He was so passionate about all his students and he did anything and everything he could to make sure we understood what we were doing or we were on the right track! He was overall an outstanding teacher, my prayers go out to you and your family!
Please accept our heartfelt condolences for your family’s loss. Our prayers are with you in this difficult time. May god give you strength to tide through this and may Ryan’s soul rest in peace. 🙏
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.