Iain Bell Finlayson

It is with profound sadness that the family of Iain Bell Finlayson announces his sudden and unexpected passing from heart failure. Iain was an only child, born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1949. Although he was raised with modest means, he always had grander visions. At 16 years old, Iain backpacked across Europe, hitchhiking most of the way. At 21 years old, he became the youngest black belt in the UK in Shotokan Karate and opened up his own studio. Iain's father wanted him to follow in his line of work so Iain went to school at a publishing company to become a book binder. Upon graduating as his father had wished, Iain told his father that factory work was just not for him. Soon after, Iain became a business owner of two pubs and a house of fashion. Yet his thirst for adventure and aspirations drove him further.

In 1977 Iain visited his uncle in Las Vegas and fell in love with the big city. He immigrated to America in 1978 and began working in the casino industry. That only lasted for a few months and because of Iain's vibrant personality and likability he then found his way into insurance sales.

Iain's social life was spent at the Las Vegas Sporting House where he was an open competitor in squash and racquetball. One of Iain's closest friends that he met at the Sporting House was Randy Black, who had a keen eye for choosing young ambitious talent to become a part of his company, Diversified Leasing and Management. A few years later, Iain started his own Leasing and Management Company with Tommy Naseef and began purchasing office buildings of his own. Iain eventually retired in 2007 but soon after came out of retirement to assist his current business partner, Jason Awad, in finishing the building of The Pavillion Office Complex in Summerlin.

In 1984 Iain married Karyn Bellanger and the two have remained best friends and partners in life every day since. Together they raised two children, Chelsey and Adam. Iain's children meant everything in the world to him and he was proud of them beyond words. Although it has been a tremendous loss, they know that their dad’s spirit will never leave them and he will be with them wherever they go.

Iain always had a love of the ocean. He earned his captain's license and in 2006, bought his first sailing yacht with his best friend, George Connor. Although Iain sailed all over the world, his favorite place was the British Virgin Islands. Captain Iain loved sharing his sailing trips with family and friends, creating treasured memories for all who joined him.

Iain was kind, generous, funny, genuine and had a contagious smile that could light up a room. He woke up every day with a smile on his face!

Services will be held at 11:30am on Saturday March 26th, at Palm Mortuary, 1325 N. Main Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the local chapter of the FBI Citizens Academy, where Iain was a member. FBILVCAAA.org. In addition, the family asks that you would do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness in Iain's name.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmdowntownmortuary.com for the Finlayson family.