Brian Finley

FINLEY, Brian Fitzgerald, age 47, died April 5, 2010. He was born December 12, 1962 in Oklahoma City. Brian was a beloved son, husband, father and brother. He was preceded in death by his grandparents John A. and Agnes A. Bible and Richard R. and Lanie M. Finley. Brian is survived by his wife Lise; daughters Bailey and Blaike; parents Terry L. and Mary L. Finley; brothers Patrick Finley and Christopher Finley; in-laws Lindell and Jean Stevens; and many other loved ones and friends. Brian graduated from Putnam City North High School in 1981 and attended Oklahoma State University and Oklahoma University before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1985. Upon completion of jump school at Fort Bragg, N.C., he served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division and was stationed in Italy for 15 months of his tour. After his honorable discharge, Brian entered the University of Central Oklahoma in 1988 and earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice. With his degree and CLEET certification, he moved to Tulsa, OK and joined the Tulsa Police Department. While a member of the Tulsa P.D., he met and married fellow officer, Lise. After several years with Tulsa P.D., Brian and his family moved back to Oklahoma City and he began pursuing his new career in education. He worked in the construction industry while attending UCO to obtain his teaching certification. Brian came full circle and obtained his first position teaching at his alma mater, Putnam City North H.S. in 1999. During his years teaching science at P.C. North, he completed work on his Master"™s degree. In 2003, Brian interned at Hefner Middle School. The following year, he was offered the opportunity to move into administration and accepted the position of Assistant Principal at Putnam City West H.S. In 2007, he became Assistant Principal at Putnam City H.S. where he served at the time of his death. Brian was committed to the work he was doing for his students and was highly regarded by both students and fellow educators. Brian was devoted to his wife and daughters and his entire family. He especially loved fishing and playing softball with his youngest daughter, Blaike. With older daughter, Bailey, special times were watching "shoot-em-up" movies and scuba diving. He was compassionate, gentle, and kind-hearted, with many of his talents left untapped in his all too short life. He left us far too soon. He is desperately missed, but will constantly be remembered for the love and joy he brought to our lives while he was with us. May Brian Rest in Peace in the arms of Our Lord. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2pm Friday, April 9, at LifeChurch, 5821 Northwest Expressway. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Brian Finley please visit our Sympathy Store.