Obituary Record

Colonel Hugh S. "Stu" Finlayson, US Army, Retired, 82, died Thursday, June 9, 2005, in Diamondhead, MS.

Col. Finlayson was a native of Akron, Ohio, and had been a resident of Diamondhead, MS, since 1980.

He retired from the Army in 1974 with over 31 years of service, which included tours of duty in the Battle of the Bulge during WW II, Korea, Vietnam, the American Embassy in Belgium, and numerous stateside assignments, ending as Professor of Military Science at Loyola University in New Orleans. Earlier in his life, he pitched with the Brooklyn Dodgers after graduation from the University of Missouri.

Colonel Finlayson's decorations include The Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Joint Services Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. He was named to the field Artillery Hall of Fame.

His wife, Dorothy Finger Finlayson, preceded him in death. Survivors include a daughter, Linda Finlayson Williams, of Diamondhead; a brother, Dr. George Finlayson, of Mansfield, Ohio; and a special friend, John Hall, of Diamondhead. Sincere thanks are expressed to Vicki Freeman and Elaine Nabers, two capable compassionate caregivers who maintained Stu's quality of life. The family also extends its gratitude to the kindness shown by the staff of Quality Home Health Care, Quality Hospice of the Gulf Coast, and Hancock Medical Center.

Private graveside services with full military honors will be held in Grandview Cemetery, Fort Collins, Colorado, at a later date.

The family prefers memorials to the charity of one's choice.

Riemann Funeral Home in Bay St. Louis, MS, in in charge of the local arrangements and an online guest book may be signed and viewed via riemannfuneralhomes.com.

Source: Sea Coast Echo 06/12/2005