John M. S. Finney ’56

JOHN FINNEY DIED June 1, 1994, in Lexington, Ky., seven months after undergoing heart replacement surgery. John came to Princeton from the McDonogh School in Baltimore. He majored in English and was an active member of Colonial Club.

After graduation, John served three years as a naval officer, and in 1959, he joined the Fasig-Tipton Co., a thoroughbred horse brokerage firm in Lexington. John was successively general manager, v.p., president, and chairman of Fasig-Tipton, and by 1983, the company had 40% of the nation's public horse-auction business. In 1989, John left the company and, in concert with his son Michael, set up Finney Bloodstock, to advise on the purchase and sale of horses as well as planning matings.

John was considered a giant in the thoroughbred horse business, a status attained through his business acumen, his knowledge of horseflesh, his openness, his strong personality, and his honesty. His widow, Louise, once told a reporter, "He's very warm and generous but not very humble."

In addition to his widow, John is survived by his mother, Olive; his children Michael and Catherine; two sisters; and a grandson. He will be missed.