Brother Finbar McMullen, FSC ’46, longtime faith-filled fixer, connector, builder, and inventor on Saint Mary’s Winona Campus, died Sunday, May 2, 2021, at the age of 97.
Brother Finbar joined the De La Salle Christian Brothers in 1940. When asked what it means to be Lasallian, he shared these words, “I cannot say what Lasallian means because it is all I’ve experienced. Everything about me comes from being a Brother … Being a good Brother means being dedicated to education, being dedicated to young people, and being dedicated to justice.”
He first came to Saint Mary’s in Winona in 1943 as a college student. After graduation, he began his career teaching biology, algebra, and geometry, as well as shop courses, in Memphis, Chicago, and the Twin Cities. He also trained a group of young men called the “mobile crews” — Brothers who were not going to be educators but would serve education in other ways — in industrial skills.
In 1967, he returned to Saint Mary’s to do repair work for the science department and he stayed in the community until recent years. Even when he could no longer live on campus because of his health, his heart remained on Terrace Heights.
During his career, he oversaw Aquinas Hall (now Vlazny) for 15 years, and had the challenging job of overseeing Saint Mary’s first co-ed residence hall. In the process, he made lifelong friends and furthered his understanding of and respect for women.
From 1984-85, he became director of the La Salle Community and served as a hall director in Watters and La Salle halls in the late ’80s. The Brother Finbar McMullen Award, established in 1981, is presented to a professional member of the Saint Mary’s Winona Campus community who unselfishly meets the needs of the undergraduate community.
At age 65, he retired from residence hall work but worked in the science shop until he was 75.
During his semi-retirement, he began a commercial sideline, and because of this, he’s been called the “Brother of Invention.” His collective work became known as Finovations.
In the early ‘70s, and late ’80s, he ran a program of camping courses, including winter camping at Saint Mary’s. During this time he made his first “Finbar Hood.” He fashioned a separate hood that would roll with the person at night and could be more easily dried than a sleeping bag. He made enough for the whole class and eventually patented his creation. He received endorsements from Paul Shurke, co-leader of the Steger North Pole Expedition and Bering Bridge Expedition, and Ann Bancroft, leader of the American Women’s Trans-Antarctic Expedition.
Then, when winter campers got their skis caught in the marshland grass, he devised a piece of riveted sheet metal to solve the problem. Where he saw a need, he invented the solution — from a fabric tucker, to a grape cutter, to a collapsible fire grate.
He was also an accomplished woodworker and even taught courses in constructing items from cardboard. When walking became difficult, Brother Finbar could be seen riding a Segway (with an adapted cardboard cane holder) around campus. As remembered as he is for the items he created, he will forever be cherished for the relationships he cultivated.
The Saint Mary’s community extends its sympathy to Brother Finbar’s family, including his Brother Arnold ’53 on the Winona Campus and the De La Salle Christian Brother community and affiliated De La Salle Christian Brothers.
The funeral will be 7 p.m. Monday, May 10, in Saint Thomas More Chapel, located on Saint Mary’s Winona Campus. Visitation will be one hour prior in the chapel. Burial will be in the Christian Brothers section of Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Winona. View the ceremony virtually.
Gifts in memory of Brother Finbar can be sent to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Office of Advancement for the Brother Finbar McMullen Endowed First Generation Initiative Scholarship, 700 Terrace Heights #21, Winona, MN 55987
We invite you to join us in sharing your memories of Brother Finbar or other condolences by posting a comment below.
Featured photo courtesy of Keith Moore ’03.
Fondly remembering this wonderful man. May he rest in peace with the knowledge that he had an impact on so many people in this world.
Such a down to earth, faith- filled servant of God. Finbar will be missed by many. Those who loved him will journey on thru life with many heart-felt memories of Br. Finbar and the life lessons he shared.
He was always interested in family, friendly and welcoming to everyone. He had a ready laugh, oh that laugh just tickled your innards. He was so curious and creative, we loved being around him.
Fin was a true Lasallian. His focus was always on students. He was a man of faith.
Here’s a memory. During his first year at SMC, ie ‘69-70, Fin and I took a road trip to visit Lasallian h.s.’s in Wisconsin. Driving in my convertible, roof up, in a snowstorm against the wind, snow was coming into the car between the 1/2 inch gap of the roof and the frame. Fin suggested that we pull over. True to his nature he had an invention by which to solve the problem. He took off his winter neck scarf and stuffed it along the gap and we were henceforth warm and snug.
When I started my new role of hall director I went to see Fin to ask for advice. My goal, to find out what he would suggest to a new / young hall director (knowing that he lived in the halls for 15 years or more and saw it all). Fin’s suggestion, to start a journal and write in it everyday. Fin went on to say, do this because someday you won’t believe all those you will meet and all that occurs during these years. I am sorry to say, I never started a journal but I wish I would have because he was correct. I met great people and had great experiences in the residence halls.
Remembering Brother Finbar fondly. Our first weekend at St. Mary’s he gathered us up and took us out to see the migrating geese on the river. And 40 years later he grabbed my face with both hands in recognition when we were reunited. He was a gem.
Rest In Peace, Brother Finbar.
What a great man. Received a letter from him and talked to him on the phone in the last few years. My friends and I lived in Aquinas in 69-70 and 70. Brother Finbar had a tremendous collection of hockey sticks and pucks that he confiscated from our hall play. But he still remembered the guys fondly fifty years later. May he Rest In Peace.
Very sad to hear of Br. Finbar’s passing. I have many great memories of him from the shops and darkroom in the science hall in the late 60’s & early 70’s. I learned a lot from him; skills I still use today. He even kicked me out of the darkroom when he discovered that I wasn’t actually a physics major (I set up another one over in St. Joe’s Hall at that point). I bought several of his “Finbar Hoods” for our Boy Scout winter camping events and they are with my camping gear about 10′ away from where I sit now.
I have a lasting remembrance of Br. Finbar – his Segway sits in my office, charged up and ready to go at a moment’s notice. I purchased it from him when he could no longer ride it. He taught my daughter and me how to ride it in the parking lot behind the Brothers’ House that Reunion weekend. We rode it all over campus that weekend then took it apart (a skill I learned from Br. Finbar) so it would fit in the car for the ride back to Chicago. It lives on in his name.
In the year 1955-56 Brother Finbar was our Sub-Director of Scholastics (student Christian Brothers) living at St. Joseph Hall beyond the pines. He was an inspiration to us, mild mannered and a good example of a DLS Christian Brother.
Robert Schwendau, AFSC
I had the pleasure of working with Brother Finbar from 81-84 in the Department of Residence Life. I liked him from our very first contact. I admired his work ethic and his integrity. Brother Finbar liked to have fun. I will always remember him being one of the first on the dance floor during staff retreats. I will always remember the time we got away during a retreat to fish on the Mississippi River. We were in a canoe and catching Bass on every cast. It was a magical time. I lost contact with him after moving on and wish I hadn’t. I feel very fortunate our pathways crossed. I know he impacted many lives, and I know he impacted mine. Peace be with you all.
I definitely have fond memories of Brother Finbar. I started St. Mary’s in 1967, and I majored in Physics, so I saw him frequently, coming and going from his shop. I remember that he built some kind of prop for me to use in one of my Physics classes, but I don’t remember the details any more. Finbar was one of my best memories about St. Mary’s.
I followed Brother Finbar down to St.Mary’s from Cretin in St. Paul. In 1966/67 he was my home room Advisor. By Junior year I was spending cold November mornings on the river with him Shooting ducks-he had the best duck boat on campus and there were more than a few back then. The Brother’s of that era were all pretty down to earth and made St Mary’s a special place to go to college. A fine Christian Brother.
May Br. Finbar rest peacefully, he was a wonderful man with a spirit of kindness that radiated through his work. Definitely someone who left a legacy at Saint Mary’s.
A true gentleman with a generous heart and a radiant soul.
Yes may Br. Finbar rest peacefully! I had the pleasure to have him lead me in an independent study woodcarving class. It was a great experience for me, as he challenged me to push myself to demand better results from my efforts. He has left a huge impression on me and his memory and spirit will live on in the wake of the people he has touched along the way. I will cherish the hodge podge of well-honed wood carving tools that he entrusted me with. I think, I will add a new edge to them in his honor. You inspire greatness in us all and I thank you for that. God Bless you Br Finbar!
I lived in Aquinas during my junior and senior years at SMU. I was one of the RAs there during my senior year and Br. Finbar was the faculty RA. I learned a tremendous amount about people from him and count myself so very lucky to have known him. He was one of those persons who come into your life and you begin to like immediately. Almost fifty years later, I am still thankful that our paths crossed and consider it a blessing. He was a good, good man.
I experienced my first camping adventures with Finbar (1st photo), canoeing on the Mississippi backwaters, cross country skiing and being an RA in Aquinas under his leadership. We would have great dorm parties upstairs in the power plant, which i thought of as his workshop. He was always thoughtful, calm, respectful and ready with a smile and chuckle.
This camping course is where I first met Cat Trusk, and I am pleased that we are still friends. I preceded her as RA in Aquinas and , as the only female physics major, I came to know him well. Fly like an eagle, Fin
Although I did not know him well, Brother Finbar was always a gentleman who spoke with a soft voice and warm, committed heart. He was one of the few people I’ve met who gave much and asked little in return. Saint Mary’s has lost a compassionate man, and my hope remains that those he touched will display such regard for Mankind.
I consider Finbar a true friend. His huge open heart and his huge laughter brightened my day every time we were together. I met him in Aquinas as a freshman and kept a lifelong friendship. High points, include his visits to Seattle when he was on his traveling circuit, and sharing a wilderness canoe trip thru the Quetico Provincial Park, when he was 75 years old. He had never been there. Amazing trip for both of us. And yes we used the folding grill to fry fish! Wonderful man of heart, conviction, truth, compassion, and fun spirit.
fuesel@kpg.com
Brother Finbar was a unique individual. Full of life and curiosity. It was always a pleasure to chat with him. He usually took the initiative to come and greet me and I truly appreciated his kindness and warmth. He will be missed.
Brother Finbar was my head resident my freshman year in Aquinas Hall, he was ready to help in any way he could and his door was always open. He will be greatly missed! I will never forget one time I had the flu and was very sick to my stomach, he gave me some magic medicine that stopped my dry heaves, he was a gift to all of us in Aquinas!
Brother Finbar is a St. Mary’s icon. Growing up in the St. Mary’s community during the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s and hanging out in the Science Dept. where my dad taught, I remember Finbar always around lending a helping hand, never too busy to talk with a young boy and his dry, quick witted humor always made me laugh. My condolences to his Brother Arnie and the Christian Brothers community on behalf of the Dieterman family. He will be greatly missed!
Finbar. Always treated me fair, never judged. Let you be you.. loved you for who you were .and would look for the good in you and build from that . He was some what magic… never forget ya !
My late husband, Jack Nankivil, and I came to St. Mary’s in 1970…he as Vice-President for Finance and me as one of the first women students on campus. Jack was really quite young to be named to that position and I was, not only one of the first women, but a young mother as well. Jack was not raised as a Catholic and so Finbar and the other wonderful brothers of the time (Brothers George, Richard, Paul…and so many others) were a real surprise. So much enthusiasm and love for their vocation and their students made life at St. Mary’s one of the happiest times of our lives. Dear Brother Finbar…you will be much missed by all who were privileged to know you. Surely hope you don’t have to “rest in peace,” however, as that would likely annoy you greatly.
Oh Brother Finbar! What fun you were to talk with, and brought me a lot of laughs!
In the last 4 or 5 years, he was a beloved resident of River Village in NE, Mpls, part of Catholic Eldercare. My mom was a resident, and Brother Finbar had supper with my mom and some of the other residents. I got to know and enjoy him more and more, and before I knew it, we agreed to have ‘Happy Hour’ with scotch no less every Thurs. afternoon! We both enjoyed and looked forward to our Thursdays. I supplied his favorite scotch and he brought his many funny stories and memories–of all of you! Loved that guy. He did me a great honor of asking if he could sing ‘In Paradisum” at my mother’s funeral two years ago. This was the only time I had tears at the funeral and I can tell you, his singing and this song of departure meant everything to me. What happy memories I have of this curious, intelligent, adventurous, creative mind. You touched my heart, Brother Finbar. You earned your rest. Certainly you on one of the large pages in my book of my life.
Brother Finbar was a heart open compassionate man whose kindness, mentorship, and love guided me through a very difficult time in my life. I will be forever grateful for his listening ear, subtle guidance, and never ending support during my first year at St. Mary’s in 1972. ♥️
There are only a few people who have affected my life in a positive way for so very many years, Fin was top of that list. Heartbroken.
Brother Finbar was (Great) Uncle Donny to me. He impacted my life profoundly over the years as I grew from a kid riding on the back of his motorcycle, to a man who could appreciate his grace and wisdom. He will be missed…
Brother Finbar made a big impact on those of us who lived with him in Aquinas. I went on my first hunt for squirrel and grouse in the bluffs with Brother Finbar. He also prepared our first squirrel and grouse dinner. What great memories. Br. Finbar enjoy the fruits of your labor in heaven with Jesus!
A Finbar storyFinbar
I went walking through campus. Past old faces, old memories and missed lessons. It was the wake of a soulmate and I went walking through his times. Brother Finbar McMullen has left us.
His real name was Donald but when a Christian Brother professes his vow they take on a name of a Saint. Donald became St. Finbar. Myths and magic run through the veins of Old Ireland and in the spirit of the times Finbar McMullen found himself. The ancients said St. Finbar was the King of Fairies and the Patron Saint of Cork. He was all of that. He lived up to his name. An actualized myth.
I sat on the stones of my thinking listening to the sounds of learning as they echoed through the marble hallways of St. Marys and Heffron Hall. A place in time when Finbar and I first met long ago. I drifted through my thoughts when I noticed Brother Raymond Long, eyeballing me not two feet from the end of my nose.
“I thought you were nuts. You can see the dead?”
“I guess I can. How have you been?
“You heard voices, saw shadows when we last met. And now you see faces. The progression of an insane man?”
“Does it matter? My insanity?
“No, no. Thanks for hearing us dead folk. Seems like nobody listens to the whispers beyond what they see.” He paused, taking a deep breath. “It’s a big day. Finbar will be here within an hour. He embodies all that is a Christian Brother. We knew his examination wouldn’t take long. Justice, young people and education is Brother Finbar. The soul of a brother. How good is your seeing? What do you see on the lawn?”
I took a gaze and said green grass, beautiful trees and a couple sculptures. Am I missing something?
“You don’t see the thousands of brothers, nuns, priests, professors milling around. Are you telling me you can’t hear the beautiful piano playing of Brother Lawrence?”
“A party on the steps of a dying?”
“A celebration of life, an entrance to the hereafter. Like a baptism for those who left living. An awakening. A St. Marys tradition. Life beyond the curtain. These are hallowed grounds. Let’s go meet Finbar and those he never thought he’d see again.”