Vernal Grant Finemore

OAKLAND – Vernal Grant Finemore, 91, of Oakland, passed away peacefully Feb. 4, 2024 at Woodlawn Rehabilitation in Skowhegan.

He was born Jan. 29, 1933, in Houlton, the son of Louis Frederick and Mertelle (Grant) Finemore. He grew up in Bridgewater, and graduated from Bridgewater Classical Academy in 1950, and Ricker College in 1954. He served honorably in the U.S. Army for two years.

In 1957 he started his teaching career in Milo, where, in his words, “I was lucky to find the nicest lady in the world, Joan Harris”. They were married in 1958, and had three sons, Kirk, and twins Brett and Brent.

Vernal’s career in education spanned 32 years, beginning in Bristol, where Vernal taught, coached and was Principal at Bristol High School. The family then moved to Belgrade where Vernal was Principal of the Belgrade Schools. Lastly, the family moved to Oakland where he taught and was Athletic Director at Messalonskee High School. Vernal was active in many professional organizations, and in his retirement, he enjoyed his involvement in the Maine Education Association – Retired and Kennebec Retired Educators Association. He felt fortunate to have worked with so many great people, many of whom became lasting friends throughout his career.

Vernal was a very involved member of the Oakland-Sidney United Methodist Church. He was extremely proud of his family and loved time spent with them, especially while hunting, fishing, and camping at Cathedral Pines in Eustis.

He was predeceased by his brothers Louis, Galen and H.M. Finemore; and his beloved son, Brett Finemore.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Joan; his sons Kirk and his wife Sharon of Oakland, and Brent and his wife Kate of East Falmouth, Mass. His cherished grandchildren include Joseph and his wife Kelly, Philip and his wife Mallory, Kirsha, Andrew, Emily, and Ashley. He is also survived by precious great-grandchildren, Quinn, Keller, Brielle, Sawyer, Aloni, Anthony, Ashton; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 22 at the Oakland-Sidney United Methodist Church. Burial in the Maine Veterans Cemetery niche wall with family only, will follow the service.

Arrangements are entrusted to the compassionate care of Wheeler Funeral Home, located at 26 Church St., Oakland. Memories of Vernal can be shared, and an online register book can be signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Oakland-Sidney United Methodist Church.