Memorial planned at local pub for former CBC journalist who died after random attack
People who knew and loved east Toronto resident Michael Finlay will be gathering at one of his favourite local pubs later this month to celebrate his life.
Finlay, who worked as a documentary producer and editor for the CBC for more than three decades, died last Tuesday, one week after falling victim to a random attack in broad daylight in the city's Greektown area.
During the assault near Danforth and Jones avenues, Finlay was reportedly shoved to the ground and broke a number of ribs, which caused him to suffer a collapsed lung. The long-time resident of The Pocket neighbourhood died of “medical complications” sustained during the Jan. 24 assault, his family confirmed.
The memorial for Finlay will get underway at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at Gabby’s on the Danforth, 729 Danforth Ave., just east of Jones Avenue and is open to anyone who would like to attend.
Finlay, who was 73, often frequented the local bar where he enjoyed doing his daily crossword puzzle.
Since his death, the table Finlay liked to sit at has been reserved in his memory with the daily crossword laid out waiting to be solved, neighbour Michael J. O’Neill wrote in a Facebook post.
“Ironically on the day of his attack, Michael was steps away from his intended destination of Gabby’s and never made it,” he shared.
A Canada-wide warrant has now been issued for 43-year-old Robert Robin Cropearedwolf who is wanted for manslaughter in connection with the incident.
He is described as six-feet tall with a slim build. Cropearedwolf was last seen wearing a red paper mask with flames on it, a black sweater, and black pants.
“Mr. Cropearedwolf if you are watching this I encourage you to speak to a lawyer and turn yourself in to the nearest police station,” Det. Jason Hillier said during a Feb. 3 news conference outside 55 Division.
Robert Robin Cropearedwolf, 45, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death former CBC journalist Douglas Michael Finlay on May 9, 2024.
Investigators are urging anyone with information to contact Toronto police at 416-808-7400, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.222tips.com.
With files from CP24’s Chris Fox.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Terrifying': Manitoba resident speaks on wildfire and evacuation
As a pair of wildfires burn near Flin Flon and The Pas, a number of Manitobans are being told to evacuate their homes.
Canucks' Zadorov fined $5,000 for post-game crosscheck on Oilers' McDavid
A Vancouver Canucks defenceman has been given the highest possible fine under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement after a scrum broke out at the end of Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers Sunday night.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.
DEVELOPING Michael Cohen takes the stand as testimony in Trump hush money case enters 4th week
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial is set to take the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Air quality advisories issued in 5 provinces, 1 territory
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
Jerry Seinfeld speech prompts pro-Palestinian demonstration at U.S. university graduation ceremony
A tiny contingent of Duke University graduates opposed pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement in North Carolina Sunday, with about 30 of the 7,000 students leaving their seats and chanting "free Palestine" amid a mix of boos and cheers.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.
No refund for travellers who cancelled flight already scrapped by airline: regulator
Four years on, the controversy over whether airlines owed refunds to passengers after cancelling hundreds of thousands of flights during the pandemic continues to simmer, aggravated by a sluggish, opaque complaints process.
opinion Harry and Meghan's Nigerian adventure: Traditional attire to warm welcomes
For her latest column on CTVNews.ca, royal commentator Afua Hagan writes about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's recent visit to Nigeria, calling it a 'deeply meaningful campaign' that was about aligning their ongoing efforts to foster mental-health awareness and promoting the Invictus Games.