Charles Edward Finney was born at the Queen of Angels Hospital in Los Angeles on May 12,1940 to Betty and Edward Finney. He was known as Charlie to his parents, and eight years later, to his baby sister Suzanne; whom he adored. He is known as Chuck to many, and was known affectionately as Chuckles to some childhood friends.  

Chuck was the son of a Hollywood producer father, and a landscape and figure artist mother, who worked as an illustrator for Walt Disney; each parent an artist in their own right. Because of this, Chuck truly valued the arts, music, and the magic that movies can bring.

Growing up in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, Chuck came to shine on the Silver Screen at a young age in some of his father's films, going by the stage name "Charlie Hughes". He acted in several of his father's films, and went on to do some print modeling and commercials. He also pursued other activities such as tap dancing, ballet, and tennis to name a few. Tennis rose to the top of the list, but he was an excellent tap dancer. He was an excellent and graceful dancer in general. That probably had a lot to do with his beautifully graceful walk and magnificent posture. 

While a student at Hollywood High, Chuck was active in many school activities. Not only was he the student body president, but also the school mascot “The Sheik” who was taken from the Rudolph Valentino film by the same name. He also was a member of two Boys Club chapters known as "The Banshees" and "The Saracens". Many years after graduation, the Boys Club members still would meet at the home of Chuck's lifelong friend Mike Farrell’s home in Los Angeles. While there they would recount stories of yesteryear, catch up on life, enjoy good food and drink, and visit as long time friends should. The Boys Club reunions were something Chuck always looked forward to, and although he wasn't able to attend all of them, he cherished those friendships and get togethers. 

Following his college graduation from UCLA, he attended Loyola Law School. Thereafter he worked for several private firms in Los Angeles, Santa Cruz, and the Bay Area. During this time he also became more involved with radio, eventually taking production classes and earning his FCC license. 

Chuck met his future wife Joanne, a fellow lawyer at a place where lawyers would likely meet. No, not at a Courthouse, and this isn’t one of those bad lawyer jokes... but none other than at the California Bar Convention in Sacramento. They were sat at the same table, and listened to Justice William Rehnquist speak. Following lunch, Chuck and Joanne were introduced by Chuck’s former law partner and friend, Bill Locke-Paddon. Several years later, Chuck and Joanne were married on September 6,1975 at Chuck’s home in the Santa Cruz Mountains. They eventually moved to Palo Alto, and spent many happy years together until his untimely passing. 

Chuck was not only passionate about the law, but equally if not more so, about radio. Specifically he was passionate about his “Your Legal Rights” program for over 30 years. His founding and long running “Your Legal Rights” program was initially hosted at KQED before moving to KALW. Chuck hosted and produced shows at several radio stations including one coined "The Chuck Finney Show" at KNBR, KYUU, KCBS, KFOG, and KQED. Chuck’s shows were mainly geared towards public affairs issues: consumerism, health, medicine, and legal rights. His knowledge, wisdom, and advice, coupled with the assistance of countless attorneys and judges that appeared on his program throughout the years, assisted a breadth individuals. His Wednesday evening program also included the once a month call in show entitled "Call- A- Lawyer" nights; where his listeners could call into the show to seek advice on the chosen topic for that segment. Although some challenging topics and questions at times, considerate as he was, Chuck made sure his Call- A- Lawyer night guests were well prepared and also fed prior to going on the air by having pizza delivered on those nights. Many a pizza was had at the station. 

He truly loved the "Your Legal Rights" program and all it brought to the airwaves in the people that it assisted. 

On the KALW archive, you can hear some of Chuck's past programs here:

https://www.kalw.org/people/chuck-finney#stream/0 

as well as the tribute program to Chuck here: 

https://www.kalw.org/post/tribute-chuck-finney#stream/0. 

Chuck served the public as a Deputy District Attorney with the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office for almost 30 years. Chuck was a Deputy in the Consumer and Environmental Protection Unit, and worked on countless cases, and advocated for numerous people throughout the years. Chuck was very much a public servant, and was a popular man. Through his charm, great demeanor, and professionalism he had gained great relationships throughout the years with many people throughout San Mateo County and beyond. Chuck officially retired from the office in 2013, but continued to volunteer his time with the office. Chuck assisted anyone he could. Whether that was working on a case, with a referral, a phone call, a letter, or just to chat. Chuck was very much the gentleman, well respected, and he always made time for people. Always. 

As a father, Chuck made things magical. To me, my Dad was Superman. He could, and was able to do, practically anything. I remember a trip to Yosemite when I was about three years old. We drove up in our small silver Sentra, and it was the only car on the snow blanketed road. It had skidded on the fresh snow and was left literally balancing on the side of a cliff; one half of the car on and one half off. I don’t know how he did it, but my Dad single handedly rocked that Sentra back onto the road while my Mom and I stood in the snow and watch from the other side. When it was safe, we got back into the car, and continued on our journey to the snow. I remember that moment so vividly. 

Chuck was famous for making dozens of pancakes for people on my pre-school campouts to Portola Park, he chaperoned school field trips, became a member of the PTA, was my brownie troop leader, showed up for my sporting events, was my playmate when I didn’t have anyone to play with, helped me build my lemonade stand for Stanford home games and fronted the initial business plan (thereby teaching me money management skills), caught my pet bunny when he ran away, he taught me how to drive (a stick shift no less with tremendous patience), supported all my endeavors and dreams, and taught many lessons about life. 

Chuck led by example in his words and by his actions, and shared so much of his wisdom. He was truly a man of his word. He continued to be positive in difficult situations, and taught me to fight for what you believe in. He was always kind and respectful to everyone he came in contact with, and was always gracious. He taught to me to stay humble, to give to the less fortunate and to be charitable, and the importance of being punctual. He taught me the value of hard work, as well as compassion, patience, and most of all, he taught me and showed me what true love really looked like. And he always gave the best advice. 

Chuck loved nature, the great outdoors, and valued Mother Earth and all its creatures. He loved going to the beach, walks along the ocean, and driving through the California Redwoods. He became a vegetarian when he was eight years old because he loved animals so much. Chuck was a great animal lover and had many pets throughout his life. In his childhood that meant several cats and dogs at the same time, and even a pet pigeon that he had rescued when it was hurt as a baby; and cats, bunnies, and several goldfish when I was growing up. Not wanting a single creature to ever be harmed, he was one who would catch a spider and release it outside. At home, he made an outside bird feeder, and always kept it full; including a dish for fresh water. Recently, a neighbor recounted a story to me where she telephoned Chuck frantically because a squirrel had somehow gotten into her home. Chuck went over, and after several attempts was able to capture the squirrel, and release it outside into the wild. 

Chuck enjoyed sweets in moderation, but had a great fondness for ice cream, and his favorite was strawberry (it was no wonder since he was employed as a “soda jerk” when he worked at a soda fountain as his first job while in high school), but it was peppermint during the holiday season. His favorite candy was Marzipan...something that few people have a pallet for, and something I failed to understand his enjoyment in, but I purchased the See's variety for him anyway. 

Chuck lived a life that was so beautifully lived. He found pleasure in the simple things in life, had a wonderful sense of humor, and he said that he was a lucky guy. I believe that all who knew him were lucky as well. He was a very special and unique human being, who was taken from this world far too soon. He is so terribly, terribly, missed, loved always, and will never be forgotten. 

This is my story about my beloved father’s life and legacy. Please share your photographs, memories, and stories as well.