ADAM (Paul) FINLAY BSc (Died 13 May 2020, aged 74)
Obituary available to be viewed in the Royal Society of Ulster Architects Year book
He was the dedicated and loving husband of Jeanne, father of Richard, Christopher, Michael and Joanne, also a deeply caring grandfather and the friend of many, and he suffered his illness with stoicism, never once complaining.
Paul obtained a BSc in Architecture, at Queen's University Belfast. In 1970 he commenced employment with The Department of Finance, Chief Architect's Branch, where he was involved in Minor New Works and Maintenance Work until 1974. He joined the practice of Ferguson & Mcllveen in 1974, was made an associate in 1979, and a partner in 1999.
He was responsible for numerous large projects, including the Belfast Telegraph Press Halls, and later on the Scotsman in Edinburgh. Later he was involved in the Royal Victoria Hospital Ward Block, which was carried out in association with the Percy Thomas Partnership. This led to further large health projects. In another association with the Miller Partnership in Edinburgh he was engaged on the new stand at Windsor Park. He also carried out a number of redevelopment schemes for the Property Services Agency, the Abercorn Centre for Aero Properties, and a new Headquarters Complex for the Fire Authority of Northern Ireland.
Paul was full of energy, yet always maintained his composure with clients, who highly respected him, as did all those with whom he was involved on any project. He was recognised for his stability and reliability, and his capability enabled him to cope with all he was engaged on. A very fitting tribute was paid to him by a close friend, who said: 'I consider Paul one of the finest men I ever met. He was in my opinion, a man of utmost integrity, whose manifest decency and probity were apparent on meeting him. He was a reassuring man, in whom one would place confidence and trust that he was willing and able to do all that he could to help, no matter what the circumstances.'
Sadly, Paul was diagnosed with throat cancer in October 2019 and died on 13 May 2020.
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