David Leslie Finlayson

David Leslie Finlayson was born March 20, 1988 in Ventura, California and died while training with the Marines he loved on November 7, 2013. He was 25. From an early age, he was interested in the military. In high school, he joined the JROTC Drill Team at Kentwood, which placed first in the Northwest Drill and Rifle Conference Championships in 2005. David was awarded the Best Armed Drill Cadet in 2005. David became an Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Boy Scouting, and graduated from Kentridge High School in 2006.

Inspired by a desire to serve after 9/11, David pursued a career in criminal justice. His character was recognized and he was recommended to Kemper Development for private security work. David worked there for five years while earning his AA degree from Bellevue College.

On December 5, 2011, David fulfilled his dream by joining the Marine Corps. As Lance Corporal David Finlayson, he was highly regarded as an Assaultman in the First Battalion, Third Marine Regiment. He always hit his target. He will be remembered as someone who could take any difficult situation and turn it into a great story.

David is survived by his parents, John and Laurie Finlayson, brother Thomas Finlayson, sister-in-law Karissa, niece Katlin, grandmothers Jeanne Leslie and Clare Finlayson, and his long-time girlfriend of three years, Taryn Hauglie. He is predeceased in rest by his grandfathers, Mike Leslie and Tom Finlayson.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Vine Maple Place (http://www.vinemapleplace.org/), a Christian organization that addresses the complex issues of family homelessness and where David did his Eagle Scout project; or to the Semper Fi Fund (http://semperfifund.org/) which provides immediate financial assistance and lifetime support for injured and critically ill members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.

David’s family would like to express our appreciation for all the prayers, love, donations and support from friends and strangers near and far. We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of respect and honor given to David. Please visit Greenwood Memorial Park’s online guestbook to leave a remembrance if you wish.

Psalm 91:1-2

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High

will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

This I declare about the Lord:

He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;

he is my God, and I trust him.