(WKYT) – Twenty years after the tragedy of Flight 5191, the memories of those onboard who died are still cherished by the friends and family they left behind.
In Laurel County, the son of one of the passengers onboard that flight is finding new ways to enshrine his father’s legacy two decades after his passing.
On Aug. 27, 2006, Michael Finley and 48 other passengers and crew died on board Flight 5191. Friends and family gathered Thursday in front of the Finley building that Michael helped build, saying they want him remembered not for how he died but how he lived.
According to his son David, Michael’s first love was the roller rink. Finley’s Fun Center quickly established itself as a staple of the London community.
“He was such a part of London, and the fabric of London over the years. I mean you did not have a birthday party if you did not have it at Finley’s Fun Center,” David Finley, Michael Finley’s son, said.
Chris Asher, who worked for Finley as a teenager, said he is thankful for Finley’s lessons, which he described as tough but fair.
“Michael set the stepping stone for my future. Without him, I would have never been successful today. He was hard on me, but at the same time I learned a lot from him, and I’m glad I got the opportunity to be a part of Mike’s life, and he in mine,” Asher said.
In front of several friends and family, a plaque in Finley’s honor was unveiled in front of Business Connections Office Suites, the final project he worked on. Also announced was the Michael Finley Legacy Scholarship for students pursuing careers in business, trades and technical education.
“But I just wanted to give to the community because that was something that was a foundation for dad is teaching youth so that they can go on and do better things in their life and be the best them they can be,” David Finley said.
David Finley said his father’s presence has never left those who loved him.
“20 years seems like it was just yesterday. He’s definitely missed, but he’s still here. He’s still here every day. I am a better person because of him,” David Finley said.