Maurice Finnigan, businessman

Maurice Finnigan, who has died at 82, was a well-known business leader in Scarborough, who established the JH Sinclair furniture store on Falsgrave Road 55 years ago.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Aug 2017, 11:58 BST
Updated 11th Sep 2017, 11:52 BST
Maurice FinniganMaurice Finnigan
Maurice Finnigan

The shop was named after its co-founders, Jim and Joyce Sinclair, who Mr Finnigan bought out during the following decade.

His store on Aberdeen Walk opened in 1974 and was eventually enlarged over five shops to create the present Sinclair’s Corner.

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He continued to work in the business until as recently as this summer, when he announced his retirement.

Maurice Clarke Finnigan was born in Leeds, and took first position in furniture retailing at 18, with Denby and Spinks in the city’s Albion Street.

Later, he joined Harrison Gibson, but was headhunted by Jim Sinclair and he moved to Scarborough in 1962, with his wife, Christine, and their children.

Alongside its retail store, Sinclairs undertook contract work for many Yorkshire companies, including Haven Holiday Parks, John Smith’s pubs, and the theatres and restaurants of Qdos Entertainment.

A long standing member of Scarborough’s Rotary, he is survived by Christine and their children, Ian, Sandra, Nigel and Nicola.

Related topics:ScarboroughLeeds