In Loving Memory Of

David Finley Sr.

     David "Ta'Pete" Finley Sr., beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and community member, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 74 years old.

     David was born on November 17, 1951, in Hall Creek, Washington, to Elizabeth "Girlie" Finley and Daniel Finley. He was one of eleven children and grew up alongside his siblings Deborah Finley-Justus, Daniel "Babe" Finley, Sharey Finley, Gilbert "Smokey" Finley, Terrence Finley, Rusty Finley, Roger Finley Sr., Chuck Finley, Randy Finley, and Jackie Finley. He was preceded in death by all of his siblings except Chuck Finley and Randy Finley.

     David attended school on the Colville Reservation as well as in Renton and Spokane, Washington. As a boarding school survivor, he carried with him many stories, lessons, and experiences that shaped his life and strengthened his resilience.

     On April 30, 1970, David married the love of his life, Bonnie Ferguson, in a hotel room in Spokane, Washington. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work, love, and laughter. Their marriage lasted over 45 years until Bonnie's passing in 2015.

     In 1971, David graduated from the United States Indian Police Academy in Artesia, New Mexico. He dedicated many years of service to the Colville Indian Reservation as both a police officer and game warden through the early 1980s. During the 1980s, David and Bonnie owned and operated Our Tavern in downtown Inchelium, where they welcomed friends, neighbors, and visitors alike.

     In the early 1990s, David became part of the original team that helped start Tribal Gaming on the Colville Reservation. He served as a Gaming Agent and later as Gaming Director, helping build an important foundation for future generations. Throughout his life, David worked in many capacities, but his greatest work was always the care he showed to his family and friends.

     David and Bonnie had six children: Jalene Finley, David Finley Jr., Donald "Duke" Finley, Kara Finley, Michael Finley, and Jesse Finley. He was preceded in death by David Jr., Duke, and Michael. He is survived by his daughters Jalene Finley and Kara Finley, and his son Jesse Finley.

     He is also survived by family members Pio Faivaai, husband of Jalene; Jacquelyn Finley, wife of Michael; Tom Riley, and all of his grandkids and great grandkids.

     David was a proud grandfather to Shayleen, Daniel, A'Nyssa, Makelika, Summer, Duke, Zalissa, Tyee, Coleestah, Owen, Jozlyn, and Colin. He was also blessed with three great-grandchildren: Sophie, Andrew, and Hadley.

     He is further survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends whose lives were enriched by his presence, humor, and generosity.

     David and Bonnie opened their home and hearts to many children throughout their lives. Their home was a place of safety, acceptance, laughter, and love. No matter who came through their door, there was always room for one more. In their eyes, the more the merrier.

     Throughout their children's upbringing, David and Bonnie often said they wanted to give their children a better life than the one they had known growing up. Through their hard work, sacrifice, and unconditional love, they accomplished exactly that. Their example became a legacy carried forward by their children, who in turn worked to provide even greater opportunities for their own children. The values of family, perseverance, and caring for others that David and Bonnie instilled continue to live on through the generations that follow them.

      David was also a proud original member of a lifelong group of friends known throughout the community as "The Bros." Alongside Franco Swan, Rich Swan Sr., Rob Stensgar, Mike Stensgar, Bob Louie, and Big John, they formed a brotherhood built on friendship, loyalty, laughter, and shared experiences. Their bond endured through the decades and was symbolized by matching tattoos, a lasting reminder of the connection they shared. The Bros became well known throughout the community, and David cherished the friendships and memories they created together.

     Known for his kindness, gentleness, and welcoming spirit, David made people feel at home wherever he was. He had a gift for storytelling and could captivate family and friends with memories, humor, and the many experiences he gathered throughout his life. He loved being surrounded by his family and often said he wanted to be covered in grandkids. Nothing brought him more joy than having his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren around him.