In 1947, he convinced sailors on a Dagmar Salen M/S (a Merchant Marine ship) that was traveling to China to become a deckhand for the summer.
[3] During the 1950s, Finch constructed his first boat from plans in Popular Mechanics which ultimately started a fervor for designing, building and racing his own sailboats.
He had gained an interest in polar exploration, leading him to rename his company to "High Latitude," and became a noted expert on rare Arctic and Antarctic books and artifacts.
He was described by Cardiologist William D. Priester in a tribute dinner saying that Finch had done more than anyone in his polar collecting field.
A private memorial service was held, with donations being accepted to the Bainbridge Island Fire Department.