of Duane Finger

Duane R Finger, Jr., age 47, suffered a massive heart attack and slipped away into the arms of his Savior January 15, 2008 as he finished leading the evening chapel service here at the Redwood Gospel Mission. 

That brought Duane full circle in his relationship with the Redwood Gospel Mission. Well over 10 years ago, Duane brought his love of the Lord, his love of music and his compassion for the least, the last and the lost to the Mission, as a chapel provider and mentor.  He then joined the staff first as program manager of the New Life Recovery program and then as Director of Men’s Ministries for the Redwood Gospel Mission - a position he held for 9 years.  Health reasons forced him to leave before coming back briefly as a counselor in 2007. 

While he moved on to a new job, his heart was with the Redwood Gospel Mission and those we serve.  He continued his one night a month commitment as chapel provider doing what he loved best, playing guitar, leading worship and connecting with those who needed to hear and  experience the Good News of Jesus Christ. Duane referred to the RGM chapel as “God’s living room.” 

As a teen and young adult, Duane had his own battles with drugs and alcohol before turning his life over to Jesus in early 1986.  He played with the Shelly T band and had a car stereo business, First Class Car Stereo.  About 15 years ago, Duane was diagnosed with and successfully treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma.  It was a turning point in his life. He wanted to make his life mean something and use his gifts as God led.  And so began his time with the Redwood Gospel Mission.

During his season here, Duane became a friend, mentor and brother to countless individuals connected with the Redwood Gospel Mission and local Christian music circles. He could relate with the men dealing with their addictions, dysfunctions and anger because he’d been there and he would point them to the One who had saved him.  He had a way of putting his hand on your shoulders, looking into your heart and seeing your hurts and needs.  Duane was a great listener and prayer warrior.  He helped people know that their lives were worth something, no matter how down they were.  He didn’t pretend to have all the answers but he knew who does and consistently pointed people to Jesus as “the Way, the Truth and the Life”.

It was important to him that the program men had opportunities to be “regular” guys. The Redwood Gospel Mission men’s softball team participates each year in a local church softball league.  Duane spearheaded opportunities for the guys to go on quarterly retreats or get-aways – sometimes a single day outing to an A’s game, the San Francisco zoo or to the beach.  Once a year, along with other staff and volunteers, Duane would set up a 3 day trip to Yosemite – it’s easy to be humbled by God’s great creation. 

He left a legacy of Christ-like love and service that will live on in the hearts and lives of those he touched.

The prayer of his life was –

Through me, let there be kind words, a warm heart, a caring smile.
Through me, let there be a willingness to listen and a readiness to understand.
Through me, let there be compassion, forgiveness, mercy, and love.
Through me, let there be every quality I find, O Lord, in Thee.