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William Nicholas Finnegan V

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University of Texas

William Finnegan Obituary

NICK FINNEGAN, WILLIAM NICHOLAS FINNEGAN V, born March 31, 1986, passed away August 9, 2004. Nick was a truly outstanding individual, loved by all who knew him. He was a 2004 graduate of St. John's School where he was a high honors student, a National Merit Finalist, and an Advanced Placement Scholar, with distinction. He was captain of the cross-country and track teams, voted outstanding athlete in his class for both his junior and senior years, and held the 1,600 meter record at St. John's. With nine varsity letters in track, cross-country, and soccer, and all-conference cross-country and track recognition for the last three years, he was an unusually skilled athlete, as well as a scholar. As a young boy, he appeared in several television commercials and received acting awards at St. John's. For the past two summers, he served as a counselor at Camp Longhorn. He had been admitted to the Plan II honors program at The University of Texas at Austin, with an additional major in business. His sense of humor charmed all who knew him. He especially loved his little brother, Scotty, and his younger sister, Terrell, whose athletic events he attended unfailingly. He is survived by his parents, Susan and Bill Finnegan, his sister and brother, Terrell and Scotty Finnegan, by his grandparents, Jim and Linda McCartney, and by a large and wonderful group of cousins, Mariann, Hallie, and Phillip Hablinski; Holden, Finn, and Michael Corbett; Clark, Evans, and Maggie Miller; and Jimmy and Louise McCartney; and aunts and uncles, Martha and Mark Hablinski, Hal Finnegan, Mary and Tony Corbett, Catherine and Bill Miller, Judy Ann and Jimmy McCartney, and Leighton Dancy. He was predeceased by his father's parents, Martha Ann and Bill Finnegan, and his maternal grandmother, Louise Baker McCartney. Funeral services will be conducted at eleven o'clock in the morning on Wednesday, August 11, 2004, at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer. Interment will follow at Glenwood Cemetery, 2525 Washington Avenue. Serving as pallbearers will be Abel Allison, Paul Barndt, Clay Cole, Bradley Eisemann, Joe Herman, Matthew Hines, Houston Johnson, John Luke McConn, Ranjan Ramchandani, Rudy Reynolds, William Warren, and Zac Wilson. For those so desiring, memorial contributions may be made to St. John's School at 2401 Claremont Lane, Houston, Texas 77019, the Martha Ann Finnegan Library, Wesley Academy, 10570 Westpark Drive, Houston, Texas 77042, or the charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle from Aug. 10 to Aug. 11, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for William Finnegan

129 Entries

Nancy Brennan

September 9, 2004

Dear Finnegan family:

I was deeply saddened to hear about Nick's passing. He was such a lovely young man, with so many wonderful qualities. I saw his performance last November in A Midsummer Night's Dream. We visited after the show because I was there to see my nephew, Paul Barndt. I could tell what a special person he was...mature beyond his years. I pray for you and your family. I know he was a friend to so many, including my nephew, Paul, and will be missed. God be with you,

Nancy Brennan

Sue Brennan

September 8, 2004

I am so sorry to hear about Nick. I met him after his play "A Midsummer Night's Dream", while visiting my nephew Paul B. Nick gave a sparkling performance and I'm sure you were very proud of him. He seemed so well liked by everyone and generous in spirit. My prayers are with you.

Julie Koelsch

August 30, 2004

Dear Susan, We are now in Waco and learned from Houston friends about your son's death. He must have been a wonderful young man. I am so sorry for your incredible loss. May God who promises to collect all our tears comfort you and your family now and for the tough times ahead. Love, Julie Oates Koelsch

Frances Evans Cannon

August 26, 2004

Dear Susan, Bill, and all of your family,

When the news traveled to Dallas about your son I was so saddened because I always wish to hear the good news about all my St. John's friends, not the sad. Susan, it seems like yesterday when we were all at St. John's having so much fun, and now we all have children. Nick has always been such a shining star and now that star shines in Heaven. I am praying that the comfort from your family and precious children will brighten each day. Miss seeing you and you are in our prayers.

Love,

Frances

Kathryn McNeil

August 19, 2004

Finnegans-

I am just heartbroken to hear about Nick--one of the funniest and most down-to-earth kids I've known. His life is a tribute to that amazing Finnegan spirit and I know his spirit will live on inside every person lucky enough to know Nick. Your family is in my heart and prayers. Please take care of yourselves and each other!

Much love,

Kathryn

Helen Perry

August 16, 2004

Dear Susan, Bill, Terrell, Scotty and all McCartneys and Finnegans~

The entire city and beyond is deeply saddened by your immeasurable loss. The funeral service was a beautiful tribute to Nick as well as to your family. He had an incredibly rich heritage and drew so much from you as loving parents. I remember all of you at La Vista last November and those beautiful Finnegan smiles. Please know that there are many standing by to walk with you on this journey, one step at a time. May God comfort and strengthen you all of your days ahead. Lovingly, Helen Perry

Katie Vogel

August 16, 2004

After only meeting Nick a few times, i found him to be one of the best people ive ever met. He was such a genuine person. His loss pains me, as i know it does for everyone else. But keep in mind he is in the Lord's arms, a great place to be. Finnegans, you will always be in my prayers.

Sincerly,

Katie Vogel

Bill Barron

August 16, 2004

Dear Finnegans,
As a parent of Nick's classmate and friend (Brittany), I was shocked by your recent tragedy. You have been in my thoughts and prayers constantly this past week.

As time passes, I hope you will be comforted by the knowledge that your very special son was loved and admired by so many and that he will continue to impact their lives for many years to come.

God bless you all. I am so very sorry for your loss.

Donelle and Hill Dishman

August 15, 2004

Dear Susan and Bill,

What profound sadness we are all going through for you. You are blessed with friends that love you and will keep you in their prayers forever. Take comfort in knowing that Nick's life here on Earth was full of happiness because of you.

Love, Donelle and Hill Dishman

Katherine Kingman

August 15, 2004

Dearest Finnigan Family,

I just wanted to express my deepest sorrow for your loss. Having attended camp with Nick, Scotty, and Terrell for so many years and having Terrell in my cabin this year, I had the pleasure of knowing a truly special and amazing family. Nick was such an incredible boy and I am so fortunate to have had the pleasure of knowing him. I have always admired how close your family was and what incredible kids the three are and I know this is a very difficult time for you all. I am so sorry for your loss and you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Love always,

Katherine Kingman

Rick and Nancy Dale McBroom

August 14, 2004

Dear Susan and Bill,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Sincerely,

Nancy (Dale) and Rick McBroom

Adam Hays

August 14, 2004

Dear Finnegans,

I am one year younger than Nick. I went to Camp Longhorn with him. Every year he would be in the cabin just above me. I remember looking up to him being the "Cool Camper". I remember him being a leader. I am very sorry about this accident. All of you will be in my prayers.

Daryl Green

August 13, 2004

Dear Family of Nick Finnegan,

This devastating accident has taken three of our area’s Best and Brightest. While my personal connection is to Scotty Caven and his family, my heart aches for you all. Although I did not know your precious son, it is clear that he was an incredibly outstanding young man as evidenced by his excellence in sports, acting, and academics. More importantly, he was obviously loved by everyone who knew him. I know he will be greatly missed.

I pray for your comfort and peace.

August 13, 2004

Along with the many strangers who have sent their condolences, I, too, am deeply saddened at the loss of your son, Nick. I pray the good Lord gives gives you comfort and peace.

It's very comforting to see the outpouring of love and concern from the community over the loss of these three precious young people.

Genie Anderson

August 13, 2004

Susan,

I was so saddened to hear about Nick. What a tragedy! Please know my prayers are with you and your family.

Genie

Jonathan Williams

August 12, 2004

Finnegans,

I was not a close friend of Nicholas but I competed against him. I am on the LHN track team and had the chance to race Nick. He was an awsome competitor and a great person to have in a race becuase he always gave his all. I am most certian that he is still giving his all, running with the heavenly Father by his side...What an awsome race he is now running.

Susan and John Nicklos

August 12, 2004

Dear Susan, Bill, JudyAnn, Jimmy, Mary and Tony,

We are so unbelievably sad about the death of Nick. My memories of him when he was a baby until he was about 4 or 5 years old are so vivid in my mind. JudyAnn and Jimmy were so proud of Nick, even as a toddler. JudyAnn would entertain us with stories about Nick before we all had our own children. We should have known he would grow up to be such an outstanding young man. His life was an incredible example to others. I wish I could take away the pain that you are now experiencing. I love you all.

Perry Ruthven

August 12, 2004

Dear Finnegan Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of greiving. From talking with y'all about Nick, I knew immediately that his presence shined brightly on this earth. A shine so bright shall never fade.....shine on Nick.

Tricia Forbes Campbell

August 12, 2004

Dear Susan, Bill, Terrell and Scotty,

We are all so deeply sorry to hear about Nick. Oh what a shocking, devestating loss! Our hearts truly break for you and with you, our precious and dear Family.

Please know we are all thinking of you and praying for you and that we would do anything in the world to help in any way we could, just ask.

Nothing could be more devestating than this loss, but I find comfort in the thought that Nick's there in Heaven with Marthan and Bill at his side.

Love Always,

Tricia, Rex, & Terra Campbell

Todda Forbes Sr., Corinne Forbes,

Todd Forbes, Dana and William Forbes

Sara Hudgens

August 12, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of all three of these young adults. Take comfort in knowing that you are not alone; this coming August 30th will mark the second anniversary of the death of my best friend, Lauren Christine Burton. She, like William, was a talented runner and an outstanding scholar. I have no doubt that they will become fast friends in Heaven.

All my love and sympathy, Sara

Ned and Catherine Graber

August 12, 2004

Our favorite memories of Nick are of him running around the track at school with a grin a mile-wide on his face or racing around "Ho Chi Mihn" trail with the rest of the Cross Country team. Our hearts and thoughts go out to you and your family on this tragic loss. Nick was a wonderful young man and we will miss him.

Shelley White

August 12, 2004

To The Finnegan Family: Although I didn't have the priviledge of knowing or meeting such a bright young man as Nick, I grew up with his wonderful aunt, Martha so I just wanted to express my sincere condolences during this difficult time. St Lukes has been our church all of my life so I do hope and pray that God and the church will help you and your family find comfort during this terribly painful time of your loss. God bless each of you.

Shelley White

Houston, Texas

Sarah Hirsch

August 12, 2004

The Finnegan Family,

I just graduated from Lamar next door to St. Johns School. I unfortunently never had the honor to meet Nick or Scott but have heard their names numerous times and in every instance it had preceeded numerous compliments and only nice things. There are no words to express the sorrow you must be feeling but I hope you all and your family the very best and you will be in mine and hundreds of others thoughts and prayers.

Robert & Kristin Gauntt

August 12, 2004

To the Finnegan Family,

Kristin and I are so sorry for the tragedy you are experiencing. We are praying for you and your family during this most difficult time.

Rebecca Allen

August 12, 2004

Although I do not know your family, I am saddened by your loss - I listen to Susan every Thursday a.m. and was shocked to learn of this tragedy - Our prayers are with you

Jane Chance

August 12, 2004

For Linda Woods--

The monkey face, still framed, is hanging on the wall at the Finnegan house. Thank you for that great story. I wondered when I saw it yesterday if one of the kids had made it. Nick's artistry lives on!

Robert Vogel

August 12, 2004

Obviously no words are possible for the grief and deep sorrow I feel .. Nick will be missed but not forgotten .. The only comfort I can give is that we KNOW that we will see him again soon in the presence of the LORD .. I am going to give him a big hug, tell him he was missed and loved ,, Bill Susan Scotty Terrell .. you are in my constant thoughts and prayers

Martha Phipps

August 12, 2004

Dear Finnegan family,

I want to extend my sympathy to you for this devastating loss. I am praying for God to bring you some peace and comfort, and to know that your precious son is being watched over.

Sincerely, Martha Phipps

Janice Engle

August 12, 2004

To The Finnegan Family,

May God give you comfort and strength during this difficult time. I know you are in the thoughts and prayers of many.

Sabra Dinari

August 12, 2004

To the family of Nick Finnegan:

My own 19 year old son, Nick, died a little over a year ago in a tragic car accident and believe me, I know the pain you are enduring right now! All I want to tell you is this: IT WILL GET BETTER. It doesn't seem like it right now but you will laugh and live again and its all because Nick would want you to!!!! Believe that and dwell on it. I am praying for all of you every day, God's strength will get you through this horrible time in your life that you never thought you would have to endure and someday you will hold your son again in paradise. God bless...Sincerest sympathies...Sabra (Daniel) Dinari

Tasso Triantaphyllis

August 12, 2004

Dear Bill and Susan:

May the deep sorrow that you feel now be replaced with comfort and joy in the days to come when you think of the great memories and times that you had with your son! The times when I saw him run track, I admired his toughness and competitive spirit. He was a true racer!

Tasso Triantaphyllis

Audra Parrish

August 12, 2004

One of the pleasures of teaching lower school at St. John’s is watching children grow up from baby first graders to high school graduates. Nick was such a precious boy in lower school. I’ll never forget his performances on and off the stage at St. John’s. From his role as “Schroeder” in Charlie Brown (4th grade) to his senior year performance in A Mid Summer Nights Dream, Nick was such a gifted actor. His bright, beautiful smile will be truly missed. The service on Wednesday was such a wonderful celebration of Nick’s life. God Bless the Finnegan family during this difficult time. You are all in my prayers.

Sincerely,

Audra Parrish

St. John’s School

Music Teacher

Linda Woods

August 11, 2004

Dear Susan, Bill, Scotty, and Terrell,

My heart breaks with yours over this tragedy. I could not help thinking at the service today how surprised and humbled Nick and Scotty would have been by the sheer number of people who are sharing your deep sorrow.

I wanted to share a story about Nick that sums up a portion of his giant persona. I can remember exactly where Nick sat in my art class, how much he loved to create, and the joy that he brought to others. One day in third grade, he was completing a clay project that he had worked hard on. He carried it proudly to show me and proceeded to drop it on the floor. We bent over simultaneously to examine the remains of his creation. I was privately wondering as I bent over if I was going to need to recommend therapy help Nick deal with his despondency over the smashed clay project. To my complete surprise, I watched Nick pick it up, turn it over, and in about 2 seconds, look up at me with a huge victory grin on his face. "It looks just like a monkey's face," he exclaimed. He rushed it back to his table, put some ears on it, and gleefully pronounced it finished. It was, as I remember it, a darned good monkey's face! It hung on my wall all year until I finally HAD to give it to him to take home! To coin a phrase, Nick could always turn lemons into lemonade. It was fun to ask him so many years later (backstage at "Midsummer Night's Dream") if he still had the monkey face. I think he was a little surprised that I would remember it. How could I forget? And like the rest of his friends, teachers, and even the people who don't know him but have just read his story and feel such a bond to Nick, I will never forget him.

Scotty and Terrell, my door is always open to you. My most heartfelt prayers extend to all of you in the days to come.

Much Love,

Linda Woods

lisa malosky

August 11, 2004

Susan, Bill, Terrell and Scotty,

I have been reduced to tears many times since I heard about your heartwrenching loss. Nick was obviously the best of the best, which is a credit to his amazing family. I want you to know our hearts ache for you and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

With love,

Lisa Malosky and Don Friedell

Gary and Tommye Dominy

August 11, 2004

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this unimaginably difficult time.

Gary and Tommye Dominy, SJS Parents

Dhivya Krishnan

August 11, 2004

I knew Nick in middle school. Unfortunately, I moved away before the start of freshman year and haven't had a chance to visit Houston again since. I was deeply saddened to hear about Nick. All of the memories I have of him are happy ones. I remember that he made me laugh and gave me something to look forward to in the classes I had with him. It doesn't surprise me that he grew into such a wonderful young man. He was a joy to be around and will be dearly missed.

Robby Smith

August 11, 2004

Dear Scotty, Mr. and Mrs. Finnegan, and Terrell,

I'm terribly sorry to hear about Nick. It's very sad.

Lisa Sanders Higgason

August 11, 2004

Susan, may God wrap his loving arms around you and hold you tight during this tragic time and always. You and your family are in my prayers. Love, Lisa

Crissy and Blake Browder

August 11, 2004

Dear Finnegan Family, We are so sorry for your loss.Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless you.

Suzanne and Danny Grant

August 11, 2004

Dear Susan, Bill, Scotty and Terrell,

Our heart felt sympathy goes out to you at this time of such a tragic loss to your family. What a celebration of his life today - your

love for him and he for you all - showed through and through today as it will for the rest of your lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as are your family and friends.

Fondly, Suzanne and Danny Grant

RHEA WALKER

August 11, 2004

DEAR FINNEGAN FAMILY: My heart goes out to you. My friend and I were both deeply saddned when we read about the boys in the paper. It seems that you raised a fine young man and I know that he will be greatly missed. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers.

Benjamin Boucher

August 11, 2004

Dear Scotty,

I am so sorry about your brother. I still remember the times your brother came to our baseball games on the Pirates. I am praying for you during this hard time.

Your Friend,Benjamin

Margaret Winchell Miller

August 11, 2004

The memorial service today was a wonderful tribute to Nick--the depth of the love his friends felt for him touched me profoundly. He will live on in the hearts of the many hundreds of people who filled the church to celebrate his life. My heart goes out to each of you in the family.

Love,

Margaret Winchell Miller

Connie and Sandy Campbell

August 11, 2004

Our heartfelt condolence.

James Wilson

August 11, 2004

I am shocked and deeply saddened by this sudden loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers in this difficult time.

Gina Cox

August 11, 2004

To Nick's Family:

We were travelling home from Austin on Sunday and came upon the accident. Although we do not personally know Nick and the others, we feel a great sadness and our hearts ache for the families. May GOD bring you through this and give you understanding, peace and comfort. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Danny & Katie Walton

August 11, 2004

Dear Bill & Susan

Rachel, Andrew, Katie and I all mourn with your family and the Cavens. A quick reading of this guest book tells it all. The world will miss these two outstanding young men and be a lesser place because of it. We can only pray that their light and spirit will continue to shine through those that knew them keeping their bright outlooks and legacies alive in our hearts and minds forever. Our thoughts and our prayers are with you and the Cavens.

Danny, Katie, Rachel and Andrew Walton

Karen (Parkhill) Walker

August 11, 2004

Nick was in the Kindergarten Sunday School class that I taught at St. Luke's so many years ago. My daughter, Leah, is the same age and has just now driven away to OU to begin her university studies. I am deeply saddened by your loss.

Steve Borgman

August 11, 2004

To Nick's family -- Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Nick.

Steve and V Borgman

Richard Gross

August 11, 2004

Dear Bill and Susan,

My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. You all are in my prayers.

Mary Ellen (Wright) Bos

August 11, 2004

Our hearts are hurting for you all. Please know the entire Finnegan family is in our prayers and on our minds. Love, Mary Ellen and Will

patrick shea

August 11, 2004

the shea family prays for your loss and wishes nick all the blessings heaven has.

Mills and Roxanne Worsham

August 11, 2004

Dearest Finnegans,

Our prayers and cries have been lifted before God's Throne of Grace and Mercy and Love since we heard of the tragic accident and immense loss. Our family has known and loved yours for a long time and we are so saddened by your grief. I know Nick was welcomed into God's Kingdom and into the loving arms of His Savior and in the presence of his precious grandparents.

Please hold fast to our only hope and salvation, Jesus Christ. Although it is so painful, this is a temporary separation. May God's Holy Spirit comfort you and hold you so close. Our hearts are broken and great with grief. We love you and will continue to pray for you. God bless you all.

Jack & Katie Thompson

August 11, 2004

Dear Finnegan Family,

Katie and I want to express our deep sorrow over your loss. You are in our prayers.

Jack & Katie Thompson

Bettye Hooter

August 11, 2004

Bill Finnegan & Family

My thoughts and prayers are with you and may God carry you throught this sad time.

Jeff Carter

August 11, 2004

Bill & Susan:

My heart just aches for you guys. I am so sorry for you and the entire family. From reading the paper, it is clear that you raised an incredible young man. Please know that I have our church praying for you during this most difficult time.

craig benson

August 11, 2004

Dear Susan and Bill,

Our deepest condolences for your loss and immeasurable grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we are thankful for the wonderfully positive impact your family has had on the lives of so many. May your faith, family, and friends sustain you in the days and months ahead.

Bill Johnson

August 11, 2004

Bill, the news of your loss has reached even to Wichita, Ks. Although it has been many years since we have seen each other I want to share my sympathy for your family. Our prayers are with you.

Michelle and Brent McLemore

August 11, 2004

Dear Susan and Bill,

We are truly saddened to hear about Nick. Please know that we are praying for you and our heart felt sympathies go out to you and your family.

Michelle and Brent McLemore

Jeanne Hazen

August 11, 2004

Dear Finnegan Family,

Although you do not know me, I felt I needed to let you know that your familly have been in my prayers. My husband and I were driving home on Sunday from Austin when we came upon the accident scene and began to immediately pray for all involved and their families. See, we lost our son who was 17 in an auto accident on 7/21/2003. Sunday, we had no idea of the tragic outcome of this accident but we knew at the time lives would be changed forever. Unfortunately, we do know first hand at the overwhelming loss your feeling and that your lives have been changed forever. We are so very very sorry. No one should have to go through what you are now doing. We felt you needed to know that there are others in this world that know your pain and that you are being thought about and that we will continue to keep your family in our prayers. I so wish I had words to make this better but there are not any. This is a painful journey you have been thrust in and my heart aches for you. Take one day, one hour, one moment at a time. Be good to yourself.

Again, I am so very sorry for your loss.

God bless you,

Lynn & Sarah Wooley

August 11, 2004

Bill, Susan, Terrell & Scotty,

May God hold you in the hollow of His hand . . .

Mimi Parsons

August 11, 2004

Susan & Bill

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God provide comfort and give you strength during this difficult time.

My deepest sympathy.

David Rancken

August 11, 2004

Susan, Bill, Terrell, and Scotty

As you have heard from everybody, you have the support of your friends and family from all over the world.

You are loved, Susan, by all of us at Sunny. You are our family, too.

And no, words can never express it, but know that Nick rests in the arms of our Heavenly Father, and He is holding you all, too

Jeff & Linda Piper

August 11, 2004

I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Daisy, Dom and Jessica Liu

August 11, 2004

Dear Susan and Bill,

No words can express the sorrow and saddess we feel over your loss. In Jessica's words, it is like losing your sibling from the St. John's family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad and difficult time. May God bless you and your family.

Daisy, Dom and Jessica Liu

Haley Bunting

August 11, 2004

Nick was such a wonderful person in every way. We will miss him so much. The Finnegan family will forever be in my thoughts and prayers.

Bitsy Kiatta

August 11, 2004

Dear Susan,Bill,Terrell and Scotty

We are so sorry for your loss. Nick is surely one of the brightest stars in Gods Heaven. May they watch over you and your family always.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Bitsy,Megan,Lanie,Ross & Clay Kiatta

Carver Jones

August 11, 2004

Susan & Bill,

I am so sorry about your loss. I know that there isn't much anyone can say to ease your pain right now.

Since our yearly family reunion faded out after decades of gatherings and I moved from Houston, I haven't seen much of the Finnegan clan and I have regretfully missed the last years of Nick growing up. From what I have read, he was a lot like his Dad and I know you are proud of him.

I have you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Carver

Sneha Vakamudi

August 11, 2004

Dear Finnegan Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Nick was one of the best classmates you could ask for. His sense of humor and effervescent personality lit up any room he was in. It was like having a movie star sitting in the desk next to you. We will all remember the good times we had with Nick. We all love him very much and will miss him deeply. We have lost a friend but gained an angel watching over us. My heart goes out to you all at this time

Leslie Ticku

August 10, 2004

I didn't know Nick very well,but I was at camp whiel he was and I know he was a great counceler! He was great around kids and I know that he will be very much missed by a lot of people! I just want Scotty and Terrell to know that a lot of people are there for them and everything will be alright!

Liz Gorman

August 10, 2004

what a lucky child to have lived under your wings, susan. the gorman family and the mix family are thinking of you.

Sherri & John Edrington

August 10, 2004

Finnegan family,

You do not know us, but Sarah and Alan Parks and Bill and Ann Burke are friends of ours. Your family has been in our prayers since we heard.My daughter is entering Plan 11 , and she had already heard such wonderful things about Nick. We pray the Lord comforts you.

Sherri, John and Ashley Edrington

Catie Reynolds

August 10, 2004

Dear Finnegan family:

For four long years I sat through track and cross-country meets. I remember when Nick first broke the 1600-meter record and I remember the first time he was all-conference at SPC. Nick seemed to lead as a captain with such guidance during the cross-country season. And again, during the track season, he continued to shine. It was so fun to watch Nick run. He looked so confident out there.

Losing Nick has felt like losing a member of my family. He was truly loved by all of my family. He made Rudy such a happy person. I looked up to Nick as a brother, and my parents truly loved him as a son. On stage, he was a crowd favorite. He had such a talent for making people laugh.

I am keeping you all in my prayers. Nick is in a wonderful place now, but he will always be in our hearts.

so much love,

Catie Reynolds

carol mckinney

August 10, 2004

Dear Finnegan Family - although i did not know your son, i have a 17 yr old boy of my own; he will be a senior this year ... i can only imagine the loss and pain you must feel. my prayers are with you and yours. May God Bless and Keep You.

Tommy Cain

August 10, 2004

Dear Finnegan Family,

My deepest regrets go out to all of you. My son, Sean Cain, and nephew

Bradley Cain were fellow counselors

with Nick. They are both deeply

sadened by Nick's untimely death.

Yours Truly,

Tommy Cain

Sara Dodd-Spickelmier

August 10, 2004

Susan, Bill, Terrell and Scotty -

Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Though I have watched Nick growing up only from afar (across Molina's, from the SJS bleachers, accomlishments listed in the Rebel Rouser...), he was a unique and stellar inspiration to his peers and underclassmen.

Also, the depth of truest mutual amusement and affection that your relationship with Nick radiated served as inspiration to those of us with boys on the brink of teenhood.

My heart goes out to you and your family for this tragic loss.

Love, Sara

Jeanine Jones Elster

August 10, 2004

Dear Bill and Susan, although our family has moved apart in many directions over the years, I want you to know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of your cousins in North Carolina. I did not have the privilege to know Nick, but your loss has touched our whole family. We wish we could be there to comfort you during this time of grief, but please know that we are with you in spirit. Love, Jeanine and Allen Elster

Kathy Parker Hoge

August 10, 2004

Dear Susan,

I am so saddened by the loss of Nick...What a wonderful young man. Please know that my prayers are with you and your family.

Rhea Tucker

August 10, 2004

Susan-

I didn't have the pleasure of meeting your son Nick, however I've heard only wonderful things about him. He truly left an awesome legacy. Please know that you and your family are and will be in my prayers. May God's comforting Spirit be with you all. Love, Rhea

Warren Lee & Ryan Murphy

August 10, 2004

Mr. & Mrs. Finnegan,

You raised an outstanding young man. We speak for a generation of Camp Longhorn Staff & Counselors that was honored with the privilege of knowing Nick as a camper and watching him mature into a wonderful counselor. We are so deeply saddened by his passing. Nick will be greatly missed and will always be remembered fondly with a smile and an Attawaytogo!

Kimmy, David, Josh, Joy, and Jacob Hallman

August 10, 2004

Dear Susan,Bill,Terrell,and Scotty,

You have been on our hearts and minds since Sunday and we continually lift you up in prayer. We are so very sorry.

Kimmy,David,Josh,Joy,and Jacob Hallman

Dwight Chumbley

August 10, 2004

Bill and Susan, My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Laura, Vince & Alex Cook

August 10, 2004

Dear Susan, Bill, Scotty & Terrell--

We are truly sorry to hear about Nick. We didn't know him well, but he was always smiling when he came to get Scotty in Sunday school. I know he will be missed tremendously. Please know that we are thinking of all of you and praying for you.

Gene & Suzy Peeples

August 10, 2004

Bill, Susan & Finnegan Family:

Our hearts ache for your loss and our prayers are with all of you.

Courtney Blackburn

August 10, 2004

Mr. and Mrs. Finnegan, Terrell and Scotty,

In the 12 years that I've gone to school with Nick, he has always been everyones favorite, and rightfully so. Nick was gorgeous, hilarious, fun, nice, brilliant, and just a genuine good guy. I have so many memories of Nick from all the way back to first grade, and I know I'll never forget a single one of them. Nick's personality was the kind of personality nobody could forget, even if you only knew him for one day. I have learned so much just by knowing a guy as great as Nick, and I feel that I speak for everyone who knew him when I say he will never, ever, be forgotten. I am so sorry for what happened. Your family and Nick are both in my heart and my prayers forever.

Kathy Catsinas Rowan

August 10, 2004

Dear Susan, Bill and family,

I was heartbroken to hear about Nick. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

May you find comfort from the love of friends and family, and strength from countless prayers being said for Nick and your family.

Much love,

Michaele Wall Donati

August 10, 2004

Susan, my favorite exercise teacher ever!!! I wish I could change this for you. Big huge hugs you are in my thoughts. Be strong

Michaele

Mark/Mary Ann Miller

August 10, 2004

Dear Bill, Susan, Terrell, and Scotty--

We, like so many others, were deeply saddened to learn of Nick and Scotty's accident. Hopefully, the memories of all the wonderful times you have of them will help sustain you during this ordeal. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers...

Harris and Anne-Marie Reynolds

August 10, 2004

Our family has known Nick Finnegan only for the four years of High School, but we realized yesterday that Nick appears in fully half of the photographs we have of our son during that time. One of them usually has their arm around the other, and there’s usually some trophy or ribbon or bouquet involved, but what strikes you is the palpable sense of hard work and accomplishment, and of course the preposterously big grins on their faces.

You think: these two sure look like good kids.

Thumbing through those pictures now we find ourselves overwhelmed with grief and trying to make some sense of this epic tragedy. We send our deepest sympathies and prayers to Bill, Susan, Terrell and Scotty for their terrible loss.

We were privileged to watch Nick grow from a bright, stripling Freshman in High School into a fine, honorable young man, truly one of the Best and the Brightest. He was a Chronicle All-Houston Honorable Mention in Cross-Country from a tiny high school inside the loop, and a National Merit Scholar. He was a brilliant comic stage actor, a serious athlete with two school records in track, and a Captain amongst his peers. In an age of one-note prodigies and ersatz “scholar athletes”, Nick was the real deal, a Hail-Fellow Well Met, a true gentleman, athlete, and scholar, and an amateur in the old sense of the word, accomplished at most everything he touched.

But beyond his accomplishments, Nick was just simply a joy to be around. Even now, when we look at our photographs, we find ourselves unconsciously mimicking his contagious grin and the jaunty thrust of his chin. Every single thought we have of him makes us smile.

Now, it’s all up to us; Nick has run his race and passed the baton to us for the last time. We know in our hearts, though, that Nick is still with us. As we run our own legs in the race, we can see him out of the corner of our eyes, jogging the verdant infield of our lives with his long fluid strides, hair in the breeze, exhorting, pleading, cheering us on, pushing us beyond what we thought we could do.

If and when my son has teenagers of his own, I hope he can tell them this: that he knew Nick Finnegan, that Nick Finnegan has inspired him every single day of his life, and most importantly, that he is very proud to say that Nick Finnegan was his friend.

August 10, 2004

Although there is not much anyone can say to comfort you please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss.

Mark, Laurie & Zach John

Nayla Rifaat Tassabehji

August 10, 2004

I am so terrible sorry for your loss. I was Nick's French teacher at the Greenhouse, and was amazed by his great personality, even at such a young age...My thoughts and prayers are with you all; Suzan, Terell, Bill, and Scotty who I did not have the chance to meet.I am really, truly sorry.

Devereaux Wilhoite

August 10, 2004

Mr. Finnegan, I am so saddened by the loss of your son Nick. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Michael and Elizabeth Shea

August 10, 2004

Susan and Bill:

Mark Zvonkovic called us with the tragic news this morning and I cannot tell you how deeply affected we are. I only knew your son when he was very young but even then he struck me as exceptional. Mark and Nancy, of course, knew him very well and they grieve for him.

Our deepest sympathy to you both.

Michael and Beth Shea

Betty Shindler

August 10, 2004

Susan - my heart goes out to you and your family. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you during this tragedy.

Larry Chauvin

August 10, 2004

Nick was an amazing CLH counselor and an even better person. I wish I could be half the man he was. Scotty, you are amazing and I wish you strength during these hard times. It is ok to cry and it is ok to ask why. Just remember, Nick is in heaven looking down on all of us with his great smile.

Bert Langdon

August 10, 2004

Dear Susan,

Diane and I were shocked and saddened by the awful news of Nick's untimely death yesterday. What a tragedy. I hadn't seen Nick in a few years, but well recall his youthful enthusiasm and high energy level as young boy around the pool at Houston Country Club.

Please know that you, Bill, and the rest of your family members are in our prayers during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Bert

Jack Blanton III

August 10, 2004

Dear Finnegan family,

I am so sorry for your loss Nick was such a wonderful person and a good friend he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Whitney Havins

August 10, 2004

Mr. & Mrs. Finnegan, Terrell, and Scotty,

Nick could not have been a more wonderful classmate. He was unbelievably intelligent, athletic, handsome, and charming. His presence and smile never failed to brighten our classrooms. I wish we had been closer friends because I've never known another person so universally loved and admired. I know I speak for the class of '04 and the entire St. John's community when I say that Nick will be missed dearly.

Hally and Gordon Carver

August 10, 2004

Susan and Bill: Nick was a wonderful and outstanding young man-full of both of your qualities. It was easy to recognize what a special relationship you all shared. His memory will live on and he will inspire us all to live life fully. We send our love and prayers, Hally and Gordon.

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