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Finlay, Brian Leigh 47, died peacefully Easter Sunday at home surrounded by his family. He was lovingly married to Kristine (nee Ebershoff) and cherished his beloved children, Jack and Sarah. Brian and Kristine would have celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in June. Brian is the second child of Howard and Doris (nee Zoellner) Finlay, the younger brother of Melissa Messina, nephew of Edgar Finlay, and cousin of Jill Peck. He grew up in Town and Country and attended Montessori School at Visitation, Rossman School, and graduated from Country Day in 1984. When he was five years old his parents introduced him to swimming at their Country Surf Swim Club and he spent much of the rest of his life involved in the swimming world. At Country Day Brian swam on the team and was a member of the State Championship water polo team. At Duke University he was the captain of the swim team and a record-holder. He became a huge Blue Devils basketball fan, following them passionately after college. Brian met Kristine at Duke in 1986 and he graduated with a psychology degree in 1988. He graduated from Northwestern Dental School, completing his residency in orthodontics at St. Louis University. Brian started his own private orthodontic practice in 1995 with offices in Wildwood and Des Peres. He introduced both his children to swimming at a young age and spent much of his free time attending their meets and developing their swim clubs. He loved being outdoors, gardening, cross country skiing, scuba diving, and especially traveling with his family. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and the Veiled Prophet Organization. The Finlays would like to thank everyone who has loved and supported Brian and the family throughout his life and especially during the past 15 months. In addition to his immediate family he is survived by Melissa's husband, Randy Messina, Kristine's parents, Dave and Becky Ebershoff, and Kristine's siblings, Katie (Rich) Freiburger, Kim (Antonio) D'Amico, and David Ebershoff, plus many nieces and nephews. Services: Burial will be private on Friday, April 5. All are invited to a memorial celebration of his life on Saturday, April 6 at 1 p.m. at St. Anselm, 530 South Mason Road in Creve Coeur. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Brian L. Finlay Financial Aid Fund at Mary Institute Country Day School (MICDS), Brian's alma mater. Checks should should be made out to MICDS and sent to the MICDS Development Office, 101 North Warson Road, St. Louis, MO 63124 and directed to the Brian L. Finlay Financial Aid Fund. Arrangements by BOPP Chapel. www.boppchapel.com
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I was a lifeguard for the Finlay family back in the 70' s. They were a wonderful family and Brian was pleasant and polite boy. My condolences to the family,
Edward Berhorst
Other
January 6, 2023
I was a team mate of Brian's at Sugar Creek Swim Club, and later at Duke University. We were two of three long distance swimmers at Sugar Creek. I am sorry for your loss. It is a little shocking to find out about this now, but we lost touch. It sounds like he lived a wonderful like. Again, I am sorry. (Formerly Charlotte Johnson.)
Charlotte Dawn
May 14, 2021
Dear Finlay Family--
We are so saddened and shocked to hear of Brian's passing. We are reminiscing on all our years with Sugar Creek Swim Club, the travels, and the friendships formed by both swimmers and their parents. There were none better than memories of Brian. I remember being at his wedding and what a joyous occasion it was! Our thoughts, prayers and love come your way for comfort during this most difficult time.
Joanne Maresh and Julie Maresh Hamilton
Joanne Maresh
April 23, 2013
Dear Finlay family - we are so sorry for your loss. Our duaghter was a patient of his and he was a wonderful and caring man. All wil remember his wonderful and caring spirit. He was a gentle soul. God Bless you all in this difficult time.
Eileen Croghan
April 23, 2013
To the Finlay Family -- we are so sorry for your loss. We will always remember Brian's easy smile and encouraging words for swimmers everywhere. Condolences - Mark, Beth and Jack Blethroad
April 19, 2013
kay thurman
April 17, 2013
Dear Brian's Family, This is a Duke swimming college friend of Brian. I was so dismayed to hear about your loss and will pray for you from Australia, where I have been since I graduated from Duke in 1989. I always remember Brian from our time as fellow swimmers for Coach Thompson -- and how friendly he was to everyone -- always saying hello, always smiling, always reaching out to people. God Bless You---with much love, Katharine Keough McLennan (Duke Swimming '89)
Katharine McLennan
April 13, 2013
Brian was one of my teammates at Duke and was always looking out for me, always asking how I was, and listening kindly to the answer. All my love to his family.
Katharine Keough McLennan
April 13, 2013
Finlay family,
Both our daughters were patients of Dr. Finlay and they loved his energy and enthusiasm in caring for them. He will be greatly missed.
Laurie Luck and Brian Curtin
April 12, 2013
I'm not sure Mr & Mrs Finlay will remember us, buy my Son, Boyd and I remember Brian as a young Sugar
Creek Swimmer and such a "good kid" with a lot of team spirit, yet he interacted well with all the other
teams. I recall seeing the family at a
Phillips meet in Oklahoma. Our boys were the only swimmers from their respective St Louis teams, but you wouldn't know that from their behavior. Boyd and I both extend our sincere sympathy to both his parents and his wife and children.
Nancy Heidenreich
April 12, 2013
I was doing a school report on Obituaries and I need to see one for real. As I saw this I felt very sorry for your loss. He will be in my prays.
Westin Biermann
April 7, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Trisha Dorries
April 6, 2013
Heaven has received a wonderful soul. Brian will be truly missed. Our prayers are with Kristine, Jack, Sarah, and all of the family.
Garry, Pat, Nick & Maggie Orf
April 6, 2013
We are so very very sorry and shocked to hear of Brian's passing --We have many wonderful early swim memories of Sugar Creek days and his great swims--and Howard and Doris's big support--We send our love and prayers--Gayle, Don and Laurie McLean Chenoweth
April 5, 2013
Dr. Finlay was a one of a kind human being. His gentle, warm and kind manner, his sense of humor and his professionalism with my children will always be remembered. He has left a mark on our family and we are incredibly saddened by his passing. Our deepest condolences to the entire Finlay family.
Lena, Bryan, Samantha and Matthew Pearlman
April 4, 2013
Brian was such a wonderful doctor, so patient and kind to children. He will truly be missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family.
The Walsh Family
April 4, 2013
Although we have not seen Brian and Krissy in years, we remember him as being a great man. Our thoughts and prayers have been and will continue to be with all of you.
Joseph and Jackie D'Amico
April 4, 2013
I first met Brian Finlay at (where else?) a swimming pool. He was teaching Jack to swim. I chatted with him and his father for quite awhile. Delightful. Seven years later I show up in his office with my little girl not realizing he was the man from the pool. He remembered us. My girls have great teeth. We always looked forward to our appointments. God Bless this man and his family! Martha Vatterott
April 4, 2013
Dr. Finlay was the best orthodontist to work for. I enjoyed working for him and will miss his smiling face and his wonderful sense of humor. Thoughts and prayers are with the entire Finlay family during this difficult time. God must have needed an angel so he called Brian home. May God Bless you and comfort you in the coming months. With deepest sympathy. Helen Runyon
Helen Runyon
April 4, 2013
I am sorry to hear about Brian. He was a friend from a very special time in our lives as fraternity brothers. Kristine, my thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.
Chad Stearns
April 4, 2013
All three of our children have beautiful, straight teeth thanks to Dr Finlay. He was such a kind and gentle man, always a joy to visit with and so patient with the kids. We are all so sad and will keep his family in our thoughts and prayers.
The D'Angelo Family
April 3, 2013
Brian was my girl's orthodontist and I loved his calm nature. I am so sorry to the Finlay family for their great loss. May all your great memories with your Dad, husband, brother, son and friend sustain you during this difficult time. He will be missed.
Julie Gallagher
April 3, 2013
We are all saddened to hear about Brian's passing. Thinking of you and praying for your family.
Liz Burke
April 3, 2013
The world has lost a really great man. My prayers are with your family.
Kevin Banks
April 3, 2013
During this trying time, we're thinking of and praying for the entire Finlay family.
Greg, Tami, Claire and Grace Keller
April 3, 2013
Howard and Doris
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Weezie Lord
April 3, 2013
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