"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years." Abraham Lincoln said that, and it couldn't be more true for our Scott. Scott Michael Finney, Esq. passed away suddenly on April 14th, 2015. He was 31. A life cut short, but a life that was lived to its fullest. Born in Austin, Texas on May 19th, 1983, Scott moved around the globe with his parents and sister as an "Air Force Brat." Settling in Cincinnati in the 90's, Scott attended Fairfield High School and spent his summers as a counselor at Camp Campbell Gard, entertaining campers and staff alike with his one-of-a-kind personality. Scott earned a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Miami University. While at Miami, he was an accomplished member of the Mock Trial team, competing in events around the country. He later coached a high school mock trial team to many victories. Scott went on to earn a law degree at the University of Dayton. He practiced law as a Warren County prosecutor early in his career, then as an attorney with Wilmer Hale, an international law firm based in Dayton. Scott met the love of his life, Jen, in high school, and after reconnecting years later, married her in 2007. He gained wonderful in-laws in Bob and Debi Schubert, and Kristin and Justin Breading. The lights of his life were Scott's daughters. Adelynn (Addy) Rose was born in 2010 and Emerson (Emmy) Grace came along in 2013. They were "Daddy's Girls" for sure, and undeniably had Scott wrapped right around their little fingers. Scott loved his girls and his wife with everything he had. And that's how he loved everyone else, too. Scott was passionate. He did things in a big way. He believed in things in a big way. A staunch Democrat (who would be prickly about Republican Abe Lincoln being quoted in his memorial), Scott talked politics with a fire in his eye. He believed in justice. He believed in everyone having a fair shot. And he was smart. Oh so smart. He loved history and could recall completely obscure trivia at a moment's notice. He was articulate and charming, and unforgettable to anyone who knew him. Scott was also funny. His timing was impeccable, and his quick wit was met with either good-natured eye-rolling or doubled-over laughter. He knew how to set people at ease with his humor, and with his huge heart as well. Scott loved in a big way. He was magnanimous with kindness, and generous with his time and spirit. If anyone ever needed something, anything, he was there in an instant. Scott loved playing the guitar, and he was really good at it. He loved to cook, and he was also really good at that. He loved to yell at the TV while he watched the Bengals on Sundays, or Notre Dame on Saturdays, or the Reds on any given summer day. Scott was an avid skiier, and took many ski trips with his dad to the mountains of Colorado and Utah. Scott was an avid reader, an avid forever-learner, an avid player-of-board-games with his daughters, an avid eater of entire half-gallons of ice cream, an avid singer of silly songs he remembered from his camp counselor days, an avid dancer of cringe-worthy 80's dance moves. He was an avid everything. Scott leaves behind his sweet wife and dear children. He also leaves behind his parents, Russ and Kathie Finney, who loved Scott with an unconditional love unlike any other. Scott's dad was his hero, his rock. They had many passionate conversations about every topic under the sun. And those conversations will be sorely missed. Scott's mom was his role model, his forever best-friend, and the maker of his very favorite banana bread. Scott leaves behind his grandparents, Russ and Mary Finney, who provided idyllic childhood days on their farm complete with early-morning trips to the fishing pond, something Scott treasured. He leaves behind his Aunt Nancy and Uncle Bill Dolan, his Aunt Jean and Uncle Jim Kuhn, and his Aunt/Godmother Elaine Vogel, Uncle Tim Wyatt, and Uncle/Godfather Matt Vogel . He leaves behind many cousins who adored him. Scott leaves behind his friends. Especially a tight-knit group of guys who saw Scott through the formative years of his life and everything in between. Scott loved his friends like family. And Scott leaves behind his sister, Kristen Lazuta and his brother-in-law, Chris Lazuta. Scott and his sister loved getting into trouble together as kids, and remained close into adulthood, as they raised their children not more than 10 miles apart in Mason, Ohio. Scott was a constant source of advice and levity for his sister, and she will miss having him on speed dial. Kristen's daughters, Avery and Caroline Lazuta, loved their uncle dearly, and their giggles for their silly uncle will be oh so missed. Scott joins beloved family members in Heaven, including his Grandpa Carl Kuhn, his Grandma Cecilia Kuhn Suagee, his Grandpa Freeman Suagee, and his dear cousin Matt Dolan. Scott's family is heartbroken, but remembers a life that was lived to the fullest: a life full of laughter, kindness, and love. Lots and lots of love. Scott's life will be celebrated on Saturday, April 18th. There will be a visitation at St. Susanna Church at 616 Reading Road in Mason, Ohio 45040 from 9:15 until 12:00. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at noon, with fellowship in the undercroft at 1:00. Private family burial to follow on Monday, April 20th. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Addy and Emmy Finney Education Fund at any 5/3 Banking Branch, or at the service.
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