Jason Aaron Connor Finke

Jason Aaron Connor Finke, 31, of Ephrata, Wash., passed away Tuesday, March 26, 2024.

Jason was born Sept. 13, 1992, in Wenatchee, Wash., to Jake and Jeanne Finke. He was a man of faith, a vibrant spirit, a beloved son, a father who adored his son Waylon, a friend and a cowboy. He attended primary school in Ephrata, Wash., and went to Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake, Wash. Jason loved the rural small-town life, growing up on the family farm, and following in his grandfather’s footsteps as a volunteer fireman with the Grant County Fire District 3. He transitioned from 4-H, Future Farmers of America and the Smokiam Washington State High School Equestrian Team to the hard life of a professional rodeo cowboy in the Western States Ranch Rodeo Association. 

Rodeo fulfilled his wanderlust, passion for horses and showmanship even when it didn’t keep his pockets full. Jason had a special connection with rodeo enthusiasts, often inspiring them with his actions and words. He threw Smarties candy to kids in the stands, and often stopped to give a helping hand and a little advice or encouragement behind the chutes. Well known within his rodeo family, he had a reputation for delighting in the four B’s: buckle bunnies, bubble baths, bar brawls, and bucking broncs!

Jason’s life was at times tumultuous as he waged his personal battle with mental health. Through these struggles he stayed true to doing things his way, even when it meant kicking over the traces of convention. He would offer a helping hand, usually with some on-point opinions or advice. He had tremendous empathy and cared for those who needed it most. Jason knew how to work hard and play harder. He was fearless in living his life racing dirt bikes, riding bulls or broncs or just around town on horseback. He loved to have fun dancing with as many pretty girls as possible. When he loved, he loved with all his heart deeply and generously.

To say Jason loved animals would be an understatement; to know him was to see they spoke to his soul. He spent more of this life traveling on the four legs of a horse than his own two. From early on he could be found with his first horses, Ellie and Org, standing on their backs looking for the school bus. Whisper and Honei patiently taught him how to stay on through the corners. He rode mountain trails and swam in rivers on Spud. He partnered with Ace riding unbridled through irrigation canals, taking naps on his back, and sharing scones in between gaming events at the Washington State Fair. In recent years he spent time working with horses who were wild and fought the bit; he understood them better than most. His dogs were his greatest companions. Throughout his life he had special love for Hershey who he held on to for his first steps, Joe and Fred who ran alongside him for his boyhood adventures, and Boone who shared his love of peach pie fresh off the cooling table.

As is so often the case with wild and free spirits, they are gone too soon. Jason had his struggles, but he lived his life full throttle and with his whole spirit “unapologetically Finke.”

He is survived by his parents, Jake and Jeanne (Carr) Finke, son Waylon Finke, grandparents Howard and Mindi Finke, Janet and Mike Moberg, Donna McClung, Robert and Velma Lindner, great-aunt and uncle Leslie (Bader) and David Robinson and Jeanne Miffitt, aunts and uncles Lisa and Kevin Harrington, Shaun and Callie Moberg, Jamie and Justin Vanerstrom, Matt and Tammy Moberg, Godmother Rene and Erik Martinez, Candance and James Robles, Charee and Yves Brooks, Bonnie and Godfather Kenn Schilling, numerous cousins, extended family members, and those who held a special place in his heart.

Jason was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Edith and Harold Finke, Loren and Jean Bader, Donald McClung, grandfather Connor Carr and uncle Kelly Agard.

A memorial service will be held Friday, April 19, 2024, at the Community Church of Ephrata located at 54 K St. SE Ephrata, WA at 2 p.m. For those who cannot attend in person Jason’s service will be live streamed at www.facebook.com/CCEonthehill. 

In lieu of flowers please send donations to a charity of your choice.

If you or a loved one struggles with mental health know that you are not alone and that there are resources out there. Help is available: visit www.988lifeline.org or dial/SMS 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Visit Nicoles Funeral Home Website at www.nicolesfuneralhome.com to upload photos, read the obituary, and sign the guest book.