Local musician named as man killed on Whyte Avenue

Dave Finkelman, the pedestrian who died after being struck by a car on Whyte Avenue Monday afternoon, is being remembered for his passion for music, both as a fan and as a musician.

Finkelman played guitar and trumpet with Edmonton band Energetic Action and hosted the Saturday afternoon show “Big A, little a” on CJSR Radio.

“His show, by our listeners and by other volunteers, was voted best show every year,” said CJSR volunteer coordinator Chad Brunet.

While Finkelman’s show primarily focused on punk, he played music from all genres, Brunet said.

“It wasn’t a strictly traditional punk show,” he said. “It would frequently pull in music from outside of the genre ...you could hear anything from funk and soul and noise and disco on that show.”

Brunet said he talked to Finkelman about aging punk rockers when he was in the station last Saturday.

“We talked about music. That’s what we did every week, “ Brunet said. “It was always exciting. Dave was always excited to know about new things. I learned more from Dave than I think any other show.”

Finkelman was struck while in a marked crosswalk at 101st Street and Whyte Avenue. Police say a car turning left onto Whyte Avenue struck him while he was crossing legally. 

On Tuesday, a bouquet of roses was tied to the lamp post near where he was hit. 

Ashley Brown visited the crash site to pay her respects. She knew Finkelman and was a fan of his musicianship.

“I just think that him and his music are the same thing,” she said.

Finkelman is the son of retired CBC journalist Steve Finkelman.