Celebrating The Life Of Flint Hero George Finch

When you’ve met someone as genuine and rare as George Finch, you feel honored to share his story with the world. His legacy is far-reaching; George made a tremendous impact on the entire community of Flint, keeping the community spirit alive. As George’s recent passing, we would love to continue to celebrate his life.

A Flintstone, George Finch lived and worked in Flint for the majority of his life, working at General Motors for 30 years. Upon retiring from GM, George went to work for Flint Township as an ordinance and code enforcer, retiring after 10 years. Not soon after, his journey really started. George then went to work for Flint Community Schools, where he was the assistant athletic director for over 25 years to Jamie Foster. He worked with Mott Community College, Northern High School, and Central High School, becoming a friend, mentor, and an all-around outstanding man in the Flint community. He spent a majority of his time in the schools making sure the kids had what they needed in education and athletics.

Marlando Wade, Program Manager for the Community Education Initiative, got to know George while a football coach at Flint Northern. He recalls George as a motivator, always behind the scenes, making sure the football teams had jerseys, shoulder pads, and the equipment was up to date. George fought to have better, safer equipment for all athletes.

“George was an all-around great guy. I know a particular student-athlete that didn’t have any clothes. George helped him get what he needed. He did that on his own accord. He helped student-athletes and would help any student in need, not just in athletics. He was always at school, even on the weekends,” Marlando shared. “You know how you go around some people and their demeanor and spirit jump out at you? George was the quintessential uncle you always had around. He was an all-around great person and human being. He will be sorely missed.”

Ta’Nesa Blakely, Community School Director of Neithercut Elementary, also reflected on the positive, and inspiring nature of George and with a first-hand example of how selfless and great of a person George was.

“Mr. Finch was very, very important to me. He lived a very full life. People will always remember him, as a standup guy who could be trusted to work with anyone. We knew there was never going to be a question of his character. He was always on top of things. I don’t know how he had time to do it, but he did. He was always there to love on kids and the community.”

Ta’Nesa also mentioned how he was always such a calm, collected guy, and very father-like. “I knew Mr. Finch personally, from Northern High School. I was one of his students, playing sports. He did everything to provide for us. The relationships he had with the students, no matter who you were or what your background was, he treated everyone the same. He was very kind, and really took pride in serving the community,” said Ta’Nessa.

“When I graduated from college in 2008, I took a position as a mentor in Flint schools and I wasn’t making a lot of money. He remembered me as a student and presented me with an opportunity to do a side gig working after-school games. He looked out for me knowing I could use the extra money. I truly realized how special of a person he was, when I was working a game and my sibling called me with a family emergency that made me have to leave the game. That event left me having to take custody of my sister’s kids. When I let George know what happened, why I had to leave the game, he immediately asked what I needed. Him and his wife Betty put together a whole package. He packed up a VCR, toys, and went super out of his way to make sure that my family had everything they needed. I would say Mr. Finch was a true gentleman, a father not only to his own children but many young people who didn’t have a father, he was a great example of what a children’s champion should look like, and representation of all children,” shared Te’Nesa.

Community School Director, Mohammed Aboutawila became an instant friend to George. “I knew George for 5 years, but It felt like we’d known each other our whole lives. We had weekly athletic meetings where we would really connect – it was always about the kids. We were really close. We will continue to live his legacy, to always support our kids, our families, and support them with equal access – whether it’s athletics, academics or any help they would need.

“To me, George just felt like a family member. There was no separation between work and life. He was a man of sincerity and intentionality. One of the best partners we could ask for in Community Ed. Even if he didn’t know the child, he would help them. George would also help out staff, in different capabilities. He was an actual gem for the Flint Community,” explained Mohammed.

George was the 2019 recipient of the Greater Flint Olympian and CANUSA Games Hank and Donna Kursik “Unsung Hero” Award. This award is bestowed upon an individual who is always behind the scenes and is the real “glue” behind the longtime success of the Games.

George has impacted literally thousands of athletes and to honor this, the George Finch Athletic Fund has been established. The funding purposes will only be used for funding Flint kids to access quality athletic equipment and to help for scholarships. If you would like to support this fund, please contact Mohammed Aboutawila at maboutawila@crim.org or Jamie Foster at jfoster@flintschools.org.

As George would say, “Put your big boy pants on one leg at a time and move forward”.