George Raymond Fineday Jr

George Raymond "Coonie" Fineday Jr, 68, of Ponsford MN, has rejoined his parents on Thursday, April 13th, 2023. He was born in White Earth, Minnesota May 25th, 1954, to George Fineday Sr. and Laura Fineday (nee Butcher).

Our beloved brother and Uncle was affectionately given the nickname Coonie by his loving, humorous aunts for his inability to say spoon as a toddler. The other nickname bestowed upon him was Uncle Wes given to him by a terrorizing teasing niece that just stuck for the past 4 decades. 

Our beloved brother and Uncle loved his family. We were so fortunate to have him. Although we are heartbroken and utterly devastated, we know someday we will understand. 

Uncle liked to cook, trips to the casino, Sunday drives, going to bingo, playing keno, attending Pow-Wows, fixing cars, attending county fairs, and listening to 50's and 60's music. He liked to argue with his baby sister Judy who was the better actor, John Wayne or Chuck Norris. He looked forward to those arguments because they would laugh and try to outdo one another to prove their point. He looked forward to having coffee with his little sister Nancy and was proud that she knew her way around a car whether fixing one or buying one. He was quick to jump at the chance to take a day trip anywhere with his younger sister, Everyl. Especially to Duluth and spoke about how well she knew the town. He was happy and anxious to visit his younger brother Jack in Cloquet and enjoyed every minute he could spend with him. 

In his younger years he was taught how to fish by his Grandpa and spoke about learning to rice and leech with his parents. He had a favorite motorcycle that he rolled more than once. Even his "pony" (Ford Mustang) threw him once or twice. He had many memorable stories of his siblings and relatives such as traveling the U.S. with his nephew who drove over the road. He was always up for a new adventure. One time he had a front row seat and caught a famous singer who tumbled off the stage.  He had tried to shake the hands of his Tanya Tucker and little LeAnn Rimes. They hugged and kissed him instead. Even his beloved "Loretty" winked and waved at him. He was so magnetic. 

He could always be found surrounded by family whether telling a joke or giving advice. He was very charismatic, humorous and fun is an understatement.  Uncle had this infectious laugh that would make a person laugh right along with him. He had a talent for turning a sad or scary story into something fun and light. He was quick to laugh at himself and was respectful to everyone. Uncle made us happy and we knew how lucky we were to have him. As a child everyone has that one perfect favorite relative. That was him to all of us.  If you were feeling down, he was so sympathetic. If you were hungry, he would make you a whole dinner. He was our lifeguard in all aspects. How extremely proud he was of each and every one of us. Always the protector, he was quick to offer his assistance and had a kind word for everyone. Oh, how he loved us all and he told us often.   

He loved ice cream, root beer barrels and anything with maple in it. 

He liked to box. Whether it was a nephew or a niece, it didn't matter how old you were. He would box us.  

Uncle liked to sing. He was such a good uncle to us not one of us ever told him he couldn't. He could play the harmonica like nobody's business. We threatened to take him to New Orleans or Memphis to get him a recording deal. He politely declined and said he didn't want to be famous and having too much money would turn him astray. He was bashful of his many talents. but boastful of karate. He wasn't that great, and we didn't tell him that either. Some of the older kids remember his karate skills as he only practiced if he had a beer or two. We would usually run away as it was every child for himself.  

He babysat every member of the family at some point. He never forgot any of our names and he remembered our favorites.

His siblings never had to ask him for anything. He was always the first to offer his assistance, and encouragement. His siblings would race each other to see who could pick him up first. They fought for his company even today which he loved. He was the best company, and he knew everyone. 

He never married although many a serious girlfriend proposed to him. He said he couldn't commit because his lady friends would be too jealous. He said he didn't want children because he had all of us. 

Over the years Uncle worked for Bergens Tree Farms, Shooting Star Casino, Swift, M-State, RDO and Pine Point Public School. 

He is reunited with brothers: Lester, Douglas, Gordon, JayCee and Denis; a sister, Laurie Hvezda and niece, Robin Davis.

He leaves behind his siblings, Herbert (Mary) Fineday Sr. and sisters, Everyl Fineday, Nancy (Tim) Fineday, and Judith Goodman and his many broken-hearted nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and beloved other relatives.  Uncle was a proud member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwa. 

Uncle told us this day would eventually come and to be strong and take care of one another. We never believed it, but it's here. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 21st 2023, at the Pine Point Community Center at 12 p.m. 

He will be buried at a later date 2023.