Finn Z. Gurholt, 70, restauranteur of note, raconteur, skier and memorable parent, died at 2:10 p.m. on Father's day, 1991, after a long illness.
Finn was born in Oslo, Norway, July 5, 1920, one of five sons and a daughter born to Gudrun and Zakeus Gurholt. He was educated in Olso and was a graduate of a school there with proficiency as a pastry chef. Finn joined the Norwegian Mercant Marine after Norway was occupied by German soldiers in World War II. He jumped ship in New York, City in 1945 and became a fugitive in the United States for more than four years. He was legally admitted to the United States by the embassy in Tijuana, Mexico. With proper papers he came to Salt Lake City because of its reputation as a place to ski. On March 27, 1951 he married his longtime sweetheart, Grete Wang, who came from Norway for the event.Finn's career as chef and restaurant owner began February 20, 1952. He previously had been employed at Rustler and Peruvian Lodges in Alta, where his zany antics on skis amazed other downhillers. When he opened Finn's Restaurant at 2675 Parley's Way, he was an immediate success as a chef and with Grete's help up front, soon became proprietor of Salt Lake's best restaurant, a challenge he met until the present time.
Finn was particular in choosing employees. There are many former waitresses, busboys and chef-helpers, who credit him with their becoming successful doctors, lawyers and professional workers in the community. Restaurant owners are among them.
Finn is survived by Grete; son, Finn Jr. and Nancy, Salt Lake City; three daughters, Nelly and Karry, Salt Lake City; Guri and Scott, Olympia, Washington; and
Finnlandia and Mickey, Mill Valley, California; his grandchildren are, Heidi, Patrick and Laura Kilgore; Christian Z., Anya and Katherine Gurholt, Salt Lake City; Amanda and Audrey Stevenson, Olympia.
Memorial service for Finn will be at noon Wednesday, at O'Donnell & Sons Mortuary, 372 East 1st South. In lieu of flowers Grete asks that donations be sent to American Lung Association, 1960 South 11th East.
Finn held his family Bible in his hands every night of his mortal life. Space awaits him There.
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