Robert James "Bud" Fincham

The only son of Stanley Robert Fincham and Ellen Martina Christensen Fincham, and only brother to seven sisters, Robert James “Bud” Fincham was born on Father’s Day, June 19, 1932 at his parents’ farm in Story County near Colo, Iowa. Bud worked hard on his family’s farm from age two onwards, and loved riding his pony, Starlight. He was the valedictorian at Fernald High School, a one room high school, but gave up the title so a classmate could claim it for their college admissions. Bud enlisted in the navy at age 18 and served on the USS Henry W. Tucker during the Korean Conflict. He became E6, First Class Petty Officer in four years. Bud met Nedra Jean Fincham in 1952 at church. They married in 1954 and had four children. Upon leaving the navy, Bud enrolled at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where he attained a degree in engineering. Bud found time to enjoy singing in the Glee Club and hold two jobs while studying and raising his young family. After graduation, he began working for John Deere, moving to Portland before settling in Bend, Oregon in 1962. Bud spent 60 years as an insurance agent with New York Life, earning his Masters of Science in Financial Services. Bud was deeply committed to the Bend community, serving on the St. Charles Medical Center board for 12 years, as president of both the Greater Bend Rotary Club and the Bend Chamber of Commerce and serving on the COCC Foundation Board and the Sunriver Music Festival Board. He was elected by his peers to serve as President of the New York Life Agents Advisory Council. Bud was an active member and Elder at First Presbyterian Church of Bend as well as an active Shriner and recipient of the 65 year Grand Lodge Award. He enjoyed fixing old cars, flying his Cessna 182RG, and playing golf. He loved to travel with Jean. Known for his kindness, generosity, and humor, Bud was a great (and amusing) storyteller, always ready with a kind smile, a thumbs up, a joke and a laugh. Mostly, Bud was a cherished father, grandfather and great-grandfather, beloved husband, brother and “favorite” uncle to many nieces and nephews and a deeply caring friend. Bud was preceded in death by his sisters Eloise, Lela “Roberta” Giles, Phyllis Ray, Lois Parlova, and Beverly Johnson. He will be missed by his wife Nedra Jean Fincham, his children Robert Jr. (Jill) Fincham, Joseph (Debbie) Fincham, Stanley Fincham, and Julie Ann (Bradley Volin) Fincham, his grandchildren Nathan (Nicole) Fincham, Sean (Kristen) Fincham, Hana (Brandt) Nevin, Elaiah Rose Volin, Elianajoy Volin, seven great grandchildren, and sisters Gladys (Jerry) Sawyer and Monna Scheid. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held September 26, 2026 at First Presbyterian Church in Bend, Oregon. Donations can be made to: Housed Working Healthy TeamHWH.org/donate Partners in Care PartnersBend.org/donate Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home was honored to handle the arrangements.

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Robert James "Bud" Fincham

June 19, 1932 - June 19, 2026