PATRICK THOMAS FLYNN

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PATRICK THOMAS FLYNN Quietly and peacefully, Patrick slipped away from us in his sleep on April 3, 2012. Pat was predeceased by his parents, Patrick and Georgina Flynn. Left to hold his memory dear are his loving wife Janet, his son Bill, his daughter, Theresa (Geoff) and their son, Thomas, his older brother, Dan (Philipa) in Ireland, his twin brother, Mike (Patricia) and their children Megan, Jacqueline and Kate and their families and his younger sister, Eileen (David). Pat was born on May 12, 1948 in Winnipeg. The family relocated several times, spending many years in Victoria, BC. This was the setting for many of his fondest memories in life. He loved a cool and misty day that reminded him of that city. Pat was a young man when he met his one and only, Janet. It was a whirlwind romance that lasted forty-some years. They raised their two children in their home in West Kildonan, having only moved to St. James a few years ago. After high school, Pat worked several different jobs - from driving a truck to inspecting gravel. In 1972, he began his career in journalism at the Winnipeg Tribune and that's where he found his calling. The newspaper business was his siren and he remained with the Tribune until it closed its doors, moving on to the Winnipeg Sun and then finally settling with the Free Press in 1981 where he had a lasting influence and remained until his retirement in 2010. Pat obtained his university education the hard way, attending classes in the evening while working full time with a young family at home. He was an extremely determined and hard worker who could complete anything he set his mind to. Although Pat was a dyed-in-the-wool newspaper man, he was much more than that. He was a doting husband to Jan and a loving father who was extremely proud of his children, Bill and Theresa. He was a grandfather to Thomas who was the apple of his eye. He was a brother who was loved and with whom we shared so many good times. Pat enjoyed many hobbies and interests throughout his life, especially when he could make them a competition. He was a fisherman spending a great number of weekends towing his boat around the Whiteshell only to be dogged constantly by adversity and who came home with more funny stories than fish stories. He fell in love with golfing and he and his group played on a regular basis. It's told that he was once spotted at the end of a day's golf, rolling his pant legs up as he prepared to wade into a pond and retrieve a golf club that somehow found its way there. He was a dog person who made an effort to be a cat person too. He was so proud of the purebred Chesapeake Retriever he saved from termination at the pound one day on a whim. She became the beloved family pet for eight years. He was a do-it-yourself kind of guy and holidays were often spent putting a new coat of paint on the house or refinishing the hardwood floors. He was an intellect keenly interested in politics and the world around him. He loved reading, enjoyed dinners and fine wine with friends, and quiet times with Jan watching movies. He was a true and loyal friend to those who had the pleasure of calling him that. He will be remembered as a kind and generous man. Someone who always did what he could to help others in need. He was devoted to his family and we loved him so much. His grandson will always remember the mountain of snow Grandpa built in the backyard so he could ride down on his sled by himself. Pat will be missed by all of us and we've all been enriched and made fuller by the many memories that we'll hold close to our hearts. Pat had good friends who were with him to the end and the family would like to express their appreciation. A funeral service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 16, 2012 at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4000 Portage Avenue. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 11, 2012