Saint Paul, MN. – Today, Rep. Jamie Becker-Finn (DFL-Roseville) released the following statement regarding the death of her father, former State Senator Skip Finn of Cass Lake:
“It is one of the greatest honors of my life to carry on my dad’s legacy in the Minnesota Legislature. My dad instilled in me a dedication to my community and people, and a desire to work towards taking care of those most in need and protecting our environment now and in the future. I thank everyone for their support and patience as our family deals with this tremendous grief.”
A photo of Senator Finn with his daughter, Rep. Jamie Becker-Finn, and his formal obituary are below:
Harold R. “Skip” Finn
Age 69, of Cass Lake, MN, died Thursday, May 17, 2018 at the University of Minnesota Medical Center in Minneapolis. A memorial meal will be held 6:00 p.m., Monday, May 21, 2018, at Veterans Memorial Building, 6599 -69th Avenue NW, Cass Lake, MN.
Skip was born on October 27, 1948, in Cass Lake, MN, the son of Harold “Haley” and Elverna Finn. He was raised in Cass Lake and attended Cass Lake Public Schools. He was the first in his family to attend college, at Moorhead State College and the University of Minnesota. He majored in both Sociology and American Indian Studies, and in 1971 was the first student to receive a degree in American Indian Studies at the U. He later received a law degree from the U of M in 1979.
Skip was a member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. Cass Lake was always his home. He worked as an attorney and small business owner and was the first Native American to serve as a Minnesota State Senator.
Above all else, Skip loved his family. He adored his grandchildren. He loved hunting, fishing, and ricing, and passing those traditions on to others. He also loved the Minnesota Vikings and DFL politics. He didn’t want a “big braggy” obituary but it should be noted for the record that he was brilliant, funny, and incredibly dedicated to taking care of his family. He had the ability to see the potential in everyone and encouraged others to see the same. Skip mentored many DFL and Native political candidates throughout the years, including his daughter, State Representative Jamie Becker-Finn.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Mike Finn and Holly Finn. Skip is survived by his wife of 37 years, Teri, daughter Jamie (Gabe) Becker-Finn of Roseville, MN, son Jacob Finn of Las Vegas, NV, beloved grandchildren Koivu and Vida Becker-Finn of Roseville, MN, siblings Jerry Finn, Susie Morris, Pat Finn, Randy Finn, Jewell Finn, Deb Suchon, Mick Finn, best friend Mike Schmid, and many much loved nieces and nephews.
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