In Memory Of Finley Hays

[chris_girard]

For those who don't know, the guy in my avatar is Finley Hays. It is a painting of him that was done by a logger named Eldon Olin.

Finley was one of the last living High Climbers from last century and former owner of Loggers World magazine. He passed away a few months ago at the age of 90.

I always liked reading his Rigging Shack articles and his tails about when loggers used to climb trees for a living. From what I have read he loved his work and the trees right up until his dying days.

Finley died peacefully in his sleep at home in his own bed, surrounded by the trees he'd planted and cared for many years earlier.

 

[jomoco]

Here's a photo of Finley Hays, a fine example of the greatest generation.

jomoco

 

[cory]

Yes, Finley wrote many a good story in Loggers World.

I remember one where he was topping a fir, and his lanyard flipped off over the top of his cut when the top left the tree. He reached out and held fast to save himself. It was nerve wracking to read about it much less live through it as Fin did.