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Michael Finlay Obituary
An outstanding student and athlete at South Mecklenburg High School, Mike was a dear friend, leader and inspiration to all whose lives he touched. An automobile enthusiast, Mike was looking forward to beginning work this autumn toward a mechanical engineering degree at North Carolina State University.
A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, March 19, 2002 at 7 p.m. at Sharon United Methodist Church, 4411 Sharon Road with Reverend Ken Roth officiating. Interment will be private for the family. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. A separate memorial service for the students of South Mecklenburg High School will be held on March 25, 2002 at the school.
Besides his parents and sister, Michael is survived by his grandparents Lucian and Doreen Weeramantry of Kottowa Sri Lanka.
A memorial fund is being established to provide scholarships for future South Meck scholar-athletes. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Mike Finlay Memorial Fund, 9625 Deer Spring Lane, Charlotte, NC 28210.
Carolina Funeral and Cremation Center is entrusted with the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Finlay
Sponsored by Eric Heinke, Friend to Mike.
March 10, 2018
Dear Mike,
You really don't know how much I really truly miss you every single day! I can't even imagine that it's almost been 16 years! :'( Even though I was so young when you passed away, I remember certain things about you, like your sweet smile, your kind gestures and your beautiful heart. Back when my parents told me what had happened, I didn't exactly understand, but as the years went on it really started hitting me.
Every time I go to Aunty Ayo's place I always makes my rounds (multiple times) about the house looking at all the sweet pictures she has of you and Alyssa. I love them all! One of my favorites is the one on top of Aunty Ayo's piano, the one of you wearing a bow tie. But every time I see any picture of you it just makes me wish I could have known you more and could have remember certain stories my family has told me about you (when I was there too)...but I was just too little to remember them... I'm so glad that I have some pictures with you though! I wish you were with us. I love you tons! You're forever in my heart and always on my mind! Please watch over us Mike
PS: That cute Santa necklace you gave me during Christmas one year, I always open it from time to time and it just makes me smile each time. I love it! Thank you!
meagan
December 18, 2008
6 years later and I just found out . Im very sorry for family and friends..RIP..
Brian Hooper
March 15, 2006
It's 4 years later and we have all grown older, but we have not forgotten. We take you in our hearts and minds across our stages and into the real world. You were a good friend and I will never forget you.
amber younts
September 30, 2003
mike, I had no idea this would still be so hard almost a year and a half later. Reading these entries has been a wonderful and touching experience, as was knowing you. You were one of the most truly beautiful people I have ever met, inside and out. You will never know the life lessons that you've taught me. You have been a shining star in all of our lives and continue to do so everyday. I miss seeing you at the Y, although I always feel that you are there with me. My thoughts and prayers are forever with you and your family. You still exude a strength that I have never found in anyone else. We love you and miss you so much! -Rest in peace-
amber
Lauren Finlay
January 5, 2003
Just writing this to say I miss Michael Finlay so much. May he be in a better place, I pray. Free of worry and pain. With Nana and Pop. Michael, till the day I see you again, you will be missed and in my heart.
Love you forever and always,
your cousin Lauren
P.S. Remember playing hockey in the driveway and running around like loonies outside and Nana's oatmeal raisin cookies?
Brian Hooper
September 20, 2002
Mike you were a good friend that tought me a lot and someone I could always put a smile on my face. You were well respected and even half a year later I still wake up in cold sweats. Being that I was on campus for orentation that day i have the spot where I herd the news, and I bring a piece of you with me. Even though you never started "We the class of 2002 will carry you on in hart and mind; and will take a part of you to our college graduations" So in a sence your dream of being a engineer will be carried out by all of us, me as a mathmatition and and a combination of all the other degrees. RIP Mike you may be gone in body but you spirit will live on forever.
Ravi Weeramantry
April 1, 2002
Dear Ayoma, Bill & Alyssa
Although we have never met Michael the love and friendship he has commanded from his friends is a clear indication of the strength and character of the boy.
Rest assured our love and prayers will be with you at this horrible time. Ayoma, as you so lovingly requested, I have informed my boys about this tragedy in the hope that they may learn a thing or two. As you so rightly said, you can only give them your best advice and the rest is up to them.
With all our Love and Prayers during this most difficult of time.
Your cousin Ravi Julie Shaan Jamie Amahl and Marnie.
Denise Carr
April 1, 2002
Dear Mike,
I am sorry that we were not able to get to know you better. I remember fondly visiting your mom when you were a little boy, and I especially remember our trip to the Point-to-Point races. I know that you were a very special person, like your mom, full of life, fun and positive thinking. Your family will be in our prayers and thoughts.
Love,
Denise & Jim
marybeth spanarkel hathorn
March 30, 2002
Dear Mike:
I am so sorry that I didn't get to meet you. I was one of your mom's best buddies from college (she was the smartest science student I ever knew!) In my heart, I know that you must also have been brilliant, fun, sociable, a friend to all, and the joy of your entire family. I also have a boy your age, and my heart is broken with grief for my dear friend's loss. I will say a prayer for you, your wonderful parents, and family...I know you will be your mom's guardian angel forever.
Love,
Marybeth spanarkel (Hathorn)and family
Bill, Ayoma and Alyssa Finlay
March 28, 2002
To our New Jersey friends:
We are planning a brief memorial service for Mike this coming Tues., April 2 at 7:30 p.m.. It will be at our former church home, St. Andrews United Methodist, 327 Marlton Pike (Route 70) West in Cherry Hill (across from the Ellisburg Shopping Center, next to Ponzio's restaurant). We'll be visiting with friends at the church afterwards. Please come and celebrate our son's life with us.
Seth Edwards
March 27, 2002
Mike was a dear friend to me and not just that but a brother in some ways. Mike was one of a few people in this life that had a profound effect on people that would live with them for the rest of their lives. Every time that you were around him, he made you forget about your troubles and he would just make you laugh and feel good about being alive. You coundn't have any other feeling besides love for Mike. He was truly an angel on earth. I must say god got a great one this time. I will miss him and my prayers are with his family. The one thing I do know is when I die and go to heaven the first thing I will see after walking through those mighty gates is Mike sitting in a lawn chair with his sun glasses on cooking some steaks with his special sauce and he will take a drink from the cooler next to him and ask me if want to chill and eat some steaks. Mike rest in peace buddy and one day our paths will cross again.
p.s.
I will try to win a super bowl.
Esther Heasman
March 25, 2002
Dear Ayoma, Bill & Alyssa,
We will not forget Michael, our nephew and cousin. Although this is the saddest time, we remember with a sense of privilege and joy, the time Michael spent with us last summer in England. It was good to see this big, wonderful guy (with his healthy appetite and love of bear hugs!). Fun to play cricket and chess with him and just relax. Our hearts go out to you in your grief and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
God Bless you.
Esther, Lin, Craig & Brett and Aunty Rita.
PS: Dear Michael,
I hope you will forgive me (from up there!) for having made you sit through that l-o-n-g Shakespearan play at The Globe! LOVE Aunty Esther XXXXX
Lauren Finlay
March 23, 2002
Aunt Ayoma, Uncle Bill and Alyssa,
I love you guys so much and my thoughts are constantly there in NC.
I'm going to miss Michael so much. He was a wonderful person and I always knew how much he loved me. He will be in my heart forever. Mike - thank you for running to get my mom when my leg went through the deck at the Poconos. Love you,
Cousin Lauren
Mary and Doug Goodin
March 22, 2002
Michael has always been like a nephew to us. Our hearts, too, are broken! We looked forward to seeing him during our visits to Cherry Hill, Voorhees and Charlotte. We enjoyed watching him grow into such a wonderful young man. Our son, Scott, was always honored to be with him, either playing his drums, sleeping in his bedroom or playing "Fool" (Pool) with him. We will miss him beyond measure and will always hold a special place for him in our hearts!
Josh Hughes
March 21, 2002
I think it goes without saying that Mike will be missed by all. I am still finding it hard to believe that my "little" brother's best friend, who I would come home and hang out with after many a night out, is gone. I considered him my second "little" brother and was looking forward to spending time with him here at NC State. He was an inspiration to many and his spirit will live on.
May God bless Mike and his family.
Hang in there Mr. and Mrs. Finlay and AJ, and always know that you will see Mike again.
mike koehl
March 21, 2002
Mike was a dear friend to me. He inspired every aspect of my life. His spirit will live forever in the hearts of those who loved him.
My condolences to his family who were like my adopted parents.
Josh Carl
March 20, 2002
I have know Mike for about 4 years. I played football with him along with being in some of his classes. We were getting closer and closer everyday. We had fun together because we had something in common making people laugh. Mike could always put a smile on anyones face. he will be missed and my prayers go out to his family. God Bless
Eric Heinke
March 20, 2002
Michael, was a great person around South Meck and was a great athlete for the school. I graduated last year 01 which my life has taken me to Pasadena Ca. for culinary school at C.S.C.A. For the rest of my time at school I will try to dedicate myself to work harder in School. Even though I got the news on Sunday my prayers are with him and his parents!!
Megan Sheehan
March 20, 2002
Mike, god man I don't even know what to say. I guess that I will remember you for who you were and that is the goof ball that I grew to love and care about as my friend. I will miss the way that you would always tease me, and make me laugh. I miss you man and I love you so much. Whatch over all of us from heaven. You were an angel on earth and now you are an angel in heavan. I love and miss you!!!
rest in peace mike
Marshall Thompson
March 19, 2002
Mike was a "Kool-Kat". He had such an outgoing personality it was hard not to be his friend. I first met him at the Harris YMCA and became good friends with him, we lifted together alot and we had alot of good times at the "Y". I shared alot of memories with him and I will never forget them. He was a very special person. Mike I will miss you and so will the Myers Park PC. You were like a brother to us, we love you man.
Bill, Ayoma and Alyssa Finlay
March 19, 2002
Dear friends and neighbors:
Our very, very deepest thanks for your messages. We cannot begin to express what your words of love and respect for Mike mean to us in this terrible time for our family. Though our hearts have been broken beyond repair, knowing that "Fin" touched so many lives is a blessing which will help ease the pain. We will hold your good wishes, prayers and stories close to our hearts forever.
For those who would like to reach us directly, I've put our phone number, mailing address in North Carolina and an e mail address below.
For those in Voorhees and vicinity, we will be arranging a memorial service in the area within the next few weeks. We will put a message up on this board when the details are set. Please spread the word of this as you are able.
God bless you and keep you all.
Bill, Ayoma and Alyssa ("A.J.") Finlay
Bill Smith
March 19, 2002
I first met Finlay on the football field;i was #68. I was amazed with the speed, power, and pure determination of Finlay when football started. This made him stand out from the rest of the team. I liked his intensity because it was so muck like mine. although we had different positions, we would always compeet with each other to be the best defencive lineman. Even though i'm in college now, I'll miss Finlay a lot.
Tommy Rutkowski
March 19, 2002
I met Mike my senior year in H.S. He was only a freshman but he look old enough to be my big brother. I remember him from football and remember the drive that was inside him. He was always pushing himself to do better. Thats what I liked so much about him. We became better friends as the year went on and soon we found ourselves hangin out quite a bit. I'm gonna miss his humor, his charisma, and most importantly, his warm heart.
Cameron Piechocinski
March 18, 2002
Well bro I dont know what to say, I miss you so much. You will never be gone, you will always be in my life. We had alot of good times, I cheerish them all. My best wishes are to Mikes family. With much love, PO
Mike Fortuna
March 18, 2002
Mike and I used to skateboard back in middle school. We used to be "Mike F and Mike F who skateboard and play bass." Seeing how good he was always inspired me to try harder. He is definately someone who I will never forget.
Kevin Basner
March 18, 2002
I have known Mike since he first moved to Voorhees during Elementary school. He was a great friend and an even greater person. He always had a smile on his face, and knew what to say to make you laugh. When he moved, I said goodbye, and for him to keep in touch. Now I hear that he is gone, and it breaks my heart. Even though I said the words(goodbye) I didn't really get to tell him how much he meant to me as a friend and a person. I'm going to miss you Mike!
Kevin
Anonymous
March 18, 2002
Although I only knew Michael in
passing, Something happened that profoundly affected me. I knew him from the Harris YMCA and I noticed he had a somewhat intimidating look about him eventhough he always seemed very friendly with everyone.
One Day after working out I walked by the small Chapel at the Y and there was this teenager(Michael) on his knees praying and I thought to myself what a GREAT thing to see, this Teenager who has such a strong
faith. My prayers are with you and your family Michael. God Bless.
Kelly Argoe
March 18, 2002
Mike was an amazing person who touched the lives of all he met. He inspired so many and always welcomed new people. He was a great person and the world will never be the same without him. Rest in Peace Mike, we will all miss you, and never forget you. Love you.
LISA AND BILL SMITH
March 18, 2002
Mike lived his life to the fullest. His family and friends, and those who knew him will remember him with a smile. Our prayers and deepest sympathy are extended to Mike's family. May he sit at the side of God.
Emily Ness
March 18, 2002
From what I knew of Mike he was an awesome guy and had so many aspiring dreams. We talked not too long ago at church about his future plans and what he was doing. He was reaching his goals and had set many more. Mike was someone going far in life and will never be forgoten. Hold your heads up high and know Mike is now an angel always watching over everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with all his friends and family.
candy bowman
March 18, 2002
Mike was an angel on earth. He touched more lives in the four years that he lived in charlotte than some people can do in an entire lifetime. I will never forget the countless hours and days I spent with mike, and can't wait to see him again in heaven. Keep me safe from heaven Mike, I'll always love you.
Taylor
March 18, 2002
Although I didn't know Mike, I knew only great things of him. My prayers are with his family and his enormous group of friends. I'm thinking about you all.
Annette Goodman
March 18, 2002
Mike had a smile that would light up a room. We will miss you Mike!
Charlie Everett
March 18, 2002
Mike was a great friend, athlete, and person. He will be dearly missed by all he has come in contact with. My prayers are with his family and friends. I hope his life inspired others the way it inspired me at South Meck.
I'll miss you Mike.
Russell and Karen Van Kuren
March 17, 2002
There's little we can do or say right now, but please know that our hearts and thoughts are with you and your family in your time of sorrow.
Heather Blackshear
March 17, 2002
Mike was the type of person that no matter if you were really close to him you knew exactly who he was because of his smiling face that was friendly with everyone!! Even though I went to South Meck last year and now I go to Providence when I heard about this tragedy I was shocked. I can close my eyes and see an image of his smiling jolly face in my head!! He will definately be missed!! My prayers go out to the family!
McAleer Family
March 17, 2002
We are the family that bought the Finlay home in Voorhees, NJ when they moved to NC. The prayers and thoughts of our family and friends in Voorhees are with the Finlay family during this time.
Amy Foster
March 17, 2002
Mike was an inspiration to everyone, on and off the field. Everyone at South Meck will truly miss him!! My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and those whose lives he has touched.
J
March 17, 2002
Everyone at Eastern HS missed him when he left us a few years ago, but now he is really gone. Our prayers are with everyone who knew him. He will be missed.
Kevin Copedge
March 17, 2002
Mike was a great inspiration to everone he came in cotact with. On the football team he became someone everyone wanted to be. He IS Superman and will live on forever in our hearts and minds. He will be greatly missed!
RIP MIKE YOU'RE THE MAN!!!!
Anonymous Anonymous
March 17, 2002
Mike was an inspirtaion to everyone he knew. He will be greatly missed and always hold a part in all of our hearts. South Meck will not be the same with out Mike. My prayers are with the family and close friends of him, RIP.
Annie Flint Steve Hanna
March 17, 2002
Remembering a beautiful Soul who brought Joy to so many, who lived Fully and who will be sadly missed.
Travis Lorch
March 17, 2002
Travis attended South MEck and marched with AJ. (Travis plays tuba.) He met Mike during football season. Travis, a sophomore, wanted to be like Mike... a great guy and agreat athelete. Mike was truly an inspiration... even to underclassmen he barely knew.
Travis's Mom
Amelia Townsend
Jo-Ann and Richard Beebee
March 17, 2002
Our prayers and sympathy are with you at this time of sorrow and grief.
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