Eli M. Oboler Library
Finis Bentley - Biographical Sketch
MC007
From The Pocatello Tribune, April 6, 1947
Finis Bentley Prominent Attorney Dies
One of Pocatello's most widely-known citizens, Finis Bentley, 67, of 537 South Fourth, attorney, secretary of the Rotary club from 1918 to 1924 and from 1934 until the time of his death, President of the Rotary club in 1924 and 1925 and secretary of Pocatello's Scottish Rite bodies, died Saturday night in a Pocatello hospital following an illness of several months. Mr. Bentley was also a charter member of the Pocatello Rotary Club.
In addition to his business and community activities he was prominently identified with sports having played an active role in the organization of the Pioneer baseball league. He also took a great interest in football, having been a player at the University of Michigan during his student days and well known throughout this section of the state as a referee.
He came to Pocatello and associated himself with Earl White as an attorney for the White real estate firm. Following Mr. White's retirement he entered on the private practice of law and maintained offices in the Valentine building. Besides his widow Rosemary, he is survived by two sons, William Bentley who is an electrical engineer in the RCA laboratories at Lancaster, Pa., and James Bentley, who is engaged in the exporting business at South Pasadena, California. Both sons were home a few weeks ago and later accompanied their father and Mrs. Bentley to Los Angeles where it was hoped he would regain his health. When Mr. Bentley realized his condition was critical he asked to return to his home in Pocatello.
Finis Bentley was born Oct. 31, 1880 (nb: his birth certificate says 1881) at Marshall, Michigan. He graduated from the University of Michigan where he secured his law degree. He practiced law in Montana and Lewiston, Idaho, before coming to Pocatello in about 1915.
Mr. Bentley took up Masonry in 1922. He was a member of the Portneuf lodge No. 18, AF & AM and Pocatello Scottish Rite bodies. He was an honorary 33rd degree Mason and member of the Knights of Pythias, having held high positions in both organizations.
Mr. and Mrs. James Bentley arrived here Saturday morning by plane.
Funeral arrangements are in charge of the Downard mortuary and will be announced later.
(Bentley was buried in Mountain View Cemetery in Pocatello on April 9, 1947)