RENTON, WA, U.S.A.
U.S. MARINE CORPS
LCPL, 1ST BATTLAION 3RD MARINE REGIMENT
11/07/2013, MARINE CORPS BASE, HAWAII, HI
David Leslie Finlayson was born March 20, 1988 in Ventura, California. He was 25. David suddenly collapsed during a training run the victim of Sudden Cardiac Arrest, caused either by a structural or electrical abnormality in his heart.
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. He 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 assault man 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 response to David’s death, the Finlaysons created the Lion Heart Heroes Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization that raises awareness about sudden cardiac arrest and advocates for all the military branches to screen recruits for various forms of heart abnormalities.
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 leave a remembrance.
“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.” Psalm 91:1-2