JAMES FRANCIS FLYNN

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JAMES FRANCIS FLYNN February 25, 2015 Sheltered in the embrace of those whom he treasured, his devoted family supporting and loving him, following ten days and ten nights of pain, hope, tears, laughter, reminiscences and music, Jim reluctantly left us. In October 2014, Jim was heartbroken by the loss of his beloved first born namesake grandson, Jared James Daoust. They have once again joined hands and together are charming the angels with their wit, grace and good nature while watching over our family. Cherishing the memory of their 59 years of marriage is his wife, Helene (Schmidt) who never ceased to be grateful for the gift of Jim in her life. Jim will be forever loved by his only son, Terence (Angela Meyer), his beloved only granddaughter, Erica, his heart's delight great- granddaughter, Brooke, and his only Flynn grandson, Kyle (Brie), all of whom he was so proud. Terry followed in his father's footsteps at the U of M, earning a Commerce degree, and brought to his own family life the many qualities he admired in his father. Jim is deeply loved by his only daughter, Leslie Anne (Claude Lambert) and by his youngest grandson, Aaron Daoust, who brought him great joy. Leslie's devotion to her father was endless and she provided him with daily gourmet delights when dietary restrictions were mandated. The addition of daughter-in-law Angela and son-in-law Claude to our family brought Jim happiness and new perspectives. Lexi, the Shih Tzu, added a previously unexperienced dimension to Jim's life. He was comforted when Lexi (Little Dog) was brought to the hospital for a final snuggle with her Grandpa. Jim will be sadly missed by his sister, Betty Anne (Jim Gaynor), their children, Tom, Eileen (Scott Nowicki) and their family. He is survived by his sister, Patricia (Doug Roche) of Edmonton, her children Mary (Randy Morin), Tom, Richard (Roma), Kevin (Diane) and their families. Jim was predeceased by his brother-in-law Syl McGoey in 1992. He is also remembered by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Leonard and Adeline Schmidt of Winnipeg, and Joe and Michele Schmidt of Toronto and their children, Stephen (Donna Yau), Joanne (Jeff Crews), Matthew (Alice), Ryan (Jeff Van Poucke), Kevin and their families. Jim was born in Winnipeg in 1930 to John Francis and Florence Flynn. He attended Laura Secord and St. Ignatius schools, and St Paul's high school. He graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1951 with a Commerce degree. During his school and university years he was the recipient of many scholarships and awards. Jim was employed with the Royal Bank, Imperial Oil and for 31 years with Great-West Life as a Systems Analyst, retiring in 1991. Fate brought Jim and Helene together in August of 1953 when they shared a desk in the accountant's department at the Royal Bank, Grain Exchange Branch. They were married several years later, living and raising their family in Winnipeg. Exploring Spain, Portugal, Morocco and Ireland were travel highlights, as were many trips to Hawaii where the Gaynors regularly gathered together family and friends. Jim and Helene found themselves in Europe (Netherlands, France and England) for the 50th anniversary celebration of VE day, where Canadians were so welcomed and honoured. A Rhine cruise fulfilled Helene's desire to visit Austria, her father's birthplace. US coastal motor trips were a favourite get-away, as were trips to upstate New York to visit relatives. Visiting Joe and Michele in Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto and Muskoka were also fun family times. Terry's love of travel and his vocation as a travel consultant had their genesis in these family vacation experiences. Jim's focus in life was his family and to smooth the path for the rest of us. His kindness, selflessness, generosity and sense of humour will be greatly missed by all of us. We are fortunate to have had such a powerful example of a truly honourable man in our lives. Jim succumbed to asbestos related Pulmonary Fibrosis. We appreciate the passionate dedication of all who bring comfort on 6E at St. Boniface Hospital. A family celebration of Jim's life will take place at a later date. What though the radiance which was once so bright Be now for ever taken from our sight, Though nothing can bring back the hour Of splendour in the grass, Of glory in the flower; We will grieve not, rather find Strength in what remains behind... William Wordsworth "Dein ist mein ganzes Herz, Schatzi"
Publish Date: Mar 14, 2015

JAMES FRANCIS FLYNN February 25, 2015 Sheltered in the embrace of those whom he treasured, his devoted family supporting and loving him, following ten days and ten nights of pain, hope, tears, laughter, reminiscences and music, Jim reluctantly left us. In October 2014, Jim was heartbroken by the loss of his beloved first born namesake grandson, Jared James Daoust. They have once again joined hands and together are charming the angels with their wit, grace and good nature while watching over our family. Cherishing the memory of their 59 years of marriage is his wife, Helene (Schmidt) who never ceased to be grateful for the gift of Jim in her life. Jim will be forever loved by his only son, Terence (Angela Meyer), his beloved only granddaughter, Erica, his heart's delight great- granddaughter, Brooke, and his only Flynn grandson, Kyle (Brie), all of whom he was so proud. Terry followed in his father's footsteps at the U of M, earning a Commerce degree, and brought to his own family life the many qualities he admired in his father. Jim is deeply loved by his only daughter, Leslie Anne (Claude Lambert) and by his youngest grandson, Aaron Daoust, who brought him great joy. Leslie's devotion to her father was endless and she provided him with daily gourmet delights when dietary restrictions were mandated. The addition of daughter-in-law Angela and son-in-law Claude to our family brought Jim happiness and new perspectives. Lexi, the Shih Tzu, added a previously unexperienced dimension to Jim's life. He was comforted when Lexi (Little Dog) was brought to the hospital for a final snuggle with her Grandpa. Jim will be sadly missed by his sister, Betty Anne (Jim Gaynor), their children, Tom, Eileen (Scott Nowicki) and their family. He is survived by his sister, Patricia (Doug Roche) of Edmonton, her children Mary (Randy Morin), Tom, Richard (Roma), Kevin (Diane) and their families. Jim was predeceased by his brother-in-law Syl McGoey in 1992. He is also remembered by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Leonard and Adeline Schmidt of Winnipeg, and Joe and Michele Schmidt of Toronto and their children, Stephen (Donna Yau), Joanne (Jeff Crews), Matthew (Alice), Ryan (Jeff Van Poucke), Kevin and their families. Jim was born in Winnipeg in 1930 to John Francis and Florence Flynn. He attended Laura Secord and St Ignatius schools, and St Paul's high school. He graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1951 with a Commerce degree. During his school and university years he was the recipient of many scholarships and awards. Jim was employed with the Royal Bank, Imperial Oil and for 31 years with Great-West Life as a Systems Analyst, retiring in 1991. Fate brought Jim and Helene together in August of 1953 when they shared a desk in the accountant's department at the Royal Bank, Grain Exchange Branch. They were married several years later, living and raising their family in Winnipeg. Exploring Spain, Portugal, Morocco and Ireland were travel highlights, as were many trips to Hawaii where the Gaynors regularly gathered together family and friends. Jim and Helene found themselves in Europe (Netherlands, France and England) for the 50th anniversary celebration of VE day, where Canadians were so welcomed and honoured. A Rhine cruise fulfilled Helene's desire to visit Austria, her father's birth place. US coastal motor trips were a favourite get-away, as were trips to upstate New York to visit relatives. Visiting Joe and Michele in Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto and Muskoka were also fun family times. Terry's love of travel and his vocation as a travel consultant had their genesis in these family vacation experiences. Jim's focus in life was his family and to smooth the path for the rest of us. His kindness, selflessness, generosity and sense of humor will be greatly missed by all of us. We are fortunate to have had such a powerful example of a truly honourable man in our lives. Jim succumbed to asbestos related Pulmonary Fibrosis. We appreciate the passionate dedication of all who bring comfort on 6E at St Boniface Hospital. A family celebration of Jim's life will take place at a later date. What though the radiance which was once so bright Be now for ever taken from our sight, Though nothing can bring back the hour Of splendour in the grass, Of glory in the flower; We will grieve not, rather find Strength in what remains behind... William Wordsworth "Dein ist mein ganzes Herz, Schatzi"
Publish Date: Mar 7, 2015

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 14, 2015