Matthew Shawn Finley, born May 20, 1958, passed away on February 4, 2026, at age 67. He passed away while doing what he loved. He was fishing at the jetty, where his heart gave out.

Shawn, as he was more commonly known, lived in both California and Missouri, but spent most of his life in Humboldt County, where he was born.

When he was 13 years old, he moved to Missouri and spent his twenties milking cows on a dairy farm, and moved back to Humboldt at the age of 31. He spent the rest of his life in Humboldt.

He was someone who found enjoyment in life’s simple pleasures. He was an avid fan of basketball, especially the Golden State Warriors, followed football closely, cheering for both the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers, and was a fan of the Giants baseball team.

He loved movies and often relaxed by watching his favorites.

He was an animal lover and enjoyed the outdoors. His favorite pastime was fishing, a hobby which brought him both peace and connection to nature.

He casually played both ping pong and guitar, liked grilling big dinners on his back porch for his family and friends, and often looked to the night’s sky to see if he could spot any UFOs.

Above all else, he loved his grandchildren.

Shawn will be remembered for his big heart and lively storytelling, his sense of humor and the laughs he shared with those around him, and will be missed by those who knew him.

He is survived by his children Trevor Finley, Blake Finley, Teela Finley, Meggen Powell and her husband Darren Powell, his grandchildren Kaysen Finley, Kesa Finley, Kylo Finley, Deckard Powell, and Piper Finley, as well as his former wife Leah Finley. Also his family Joy Finley, Paula Rock, Herb Finley, Vic Ambrosini, Sue Ambrosini, Sandra Trutalli, Kenneth Tucker, and many other family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents Huey and Laura Finley, his family Russell Finley, Dorothy Stevens, Frankie Whitehead, Terry Finley, Chuck Wilkes, Amber Finley, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and various other family members.