Flynn cropped photo
In Loving Memory of

John Patrick Flynn

1946-2021

Obituary of John Patrick Flynn

It is with broken hearts that our family shares that John passed away in his 75th year on Saturday, May 29, 2021, after a two year battle with cancer, which he fought courageously right to the end.

He was a father with a heart of gold and is forever loved by Andrea Flynn and Sarah Flynn (Zane Bilyk) and will be greatly missed by their mother, Lynda Flynn and her extended family. He was a proud and loving Grandpa to Hunter Flynn Bilyk. He will be remembered by his brother Jeff (Judy) Flynn, his niece and nephew, Heather and Michael (Amanda), extended family members and by his greatest friends of 50+ years, Rick (the late Diana), Stu, Lorna and Whiff. He will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. He was predeceased by his parents Betty and Cecil Flynn, and by his brother George (Carol) Flynn.

John dedicated more than 35 years working for the City of St. Catharines as The Development Coordinator and he was a member of OACETT- Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technology. His career afforded him the opportunity to help and meet so many people, which made him a much loved and respected member of the community. When John retired in 2004 it allowed him more time to help others. He was a jack of all trades; he could fix, repair, build or “McGuyver” anything if he couldn’t get parts. He would never say no if you called him for help.

Travelling to warm climates for holidays with his family or with friends was something that he loved to do. We have many wonderful memories of vacations with him over the years. He also enjoyed fishing trips up north with his buddies, golfing, playing cards, cheering on the Jays or reading a good book. He was the kind of dad that would spend his day off work driving a van full of teenagers to an out of town concert and spend the day sitting in the van waiting until the fun was over to take them home and he did this on many occasions. John also loved spending time with family and friends. Whether it was for a coffee, a meal or a special celebration he loved spending time with people that were important to him.

John’s legacy that he leaves with us is to always be kind and help people. There is no favour too big, and it is important to care for each other. We will dearly miss him, his love and his support. He will be remembered and loved forever.

Our family would like to express our thanks and appreciation to the ParaMed nurses, Melissa 1 & Melissa 2, the LHIN care co-ordinator Stacy, EMS responders Joseph and Logan, EMS palliative care team Lisa and Brianne, for their kindness and compassion in their care of our dad. Because of their support, our father was able to pass away peacefully in his own home surrounded by love with his family by his side.

Arrangements are entrusted with Essentials Cremation and Burial Services (905-354-2133). A private goodbye was held for his family and cremation has taken place. A celebration of John’s life will take place at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be given to the Juravinski Cancer Centre, Canadian Cancer Society, or to Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold. Online condolences may be shared on John’s tribute page found at EssentialsNiagara.com.

Service Information

There are no upcoming public services scheduled or the service has occurred in the past.

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Doug Cherrington
2 years ago

I wish to express my sorrow (at this late date) in the passing of John last month.
He was a great guy both as a work partner (he was employed at the City whereas I had a parallel position at the Region for a similar length of time) and a helpful friend (he plastered the drywall in the entire lower level of our home)..
He will be missed by all who knew him particularly by Lynda (who I also knew through working at the Region); his daughter, Andrea went to school with our son, Michael) .
I am pleased to have known John and he enriched the life of all who he came in contact with him. I will remember him always!

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Brian Wakil
2 years ago

John was a friend for the years I lived in St. Catharines. His help and knowledge at City Hall moved many projects forward and his ability to do it with a laugh and a smile was always welcome . Truly a wonderful guy.

Don Phaneuf
2 years ago

So sorry to hear of John’s passing….he was a handy man type of guy who helped me out a few times……you will be missed by many John….RIP my friend..

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John Fisher
2 years ago

So sorry to hear about John’s passing. I worked with John during most of my career at City hall. John was a wealth of knowledge and if he didn’t know the answer to a question he would find one.

Joan Gatt
2 years ago

To Andrea, Sarah, Linda and the entire Flynn family, my sincere condolences in the loss of a great man. I, like so many, had the privilege of working with John for many years at the City of St Catharines and was lucky to not only call him a coworker, but a friend. He was a kind and gentle man with a wonderful sense of humour. May he rest in peace.

Rebecca Alfieri
2 years ago

I am so sorry for your loss of John. I worked at the city with John for 20yrs and saw him from time to time after his retirement up until just after this past Christmas. He was a wonderful, kind man as you know. He will be missed by many. His obituary was beautifully written also. Take good care.

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Elaine Dueck
2 years ago

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of John. He was a gentleman, friend and a great person. We used to say “what will we do when John retires”. He knew everything that was going on in the Engineering Department and never hesitated
to help me or any of us. Thank you John

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Julie oliver
2 years ago

There are no words to express how much he made an impact on my time at City Hall. Such a great and compassionate man. A big void in my heart. So sorry for your loss.

Ann Dilts
2 years ago

My deep sympathy to the Flynn family. John spoke highly of you and was so proud of his daughters. I worked with John in the TES Department and appreciated his knowledge and professionalism. He will be missed.

Doris Subramaniam (MUMC)
2 years ago

Dear Andrea,
My deepest condolence to you and family for the loss of your father. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Take Care

Grant Voroshuk
2 years ago

I met John through his long time friend Stew; I always enjoyed every encounter. My condolences to his family, his daughters, who he mentioned often. Usually recounting small projects he would help them with or other visits.
Rest well sir.

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Dan and Shari MacLeod
2 years ago

Dan and I are so very saddened to hear of John’s passing. John was such a devoted family man. The Flynn Family should be so proud. He spoke quite often of his “girls” and Andrea’s dog and of course his grandbaby! John was a great story teller. When he came home from a vacation he would tell his tales like we where there right beside him. John and Stu built the pergola in our driveway and painted the interior of our house. And we all had a great time while they did it! We are feeling your loss!!!! Please find comfort in knowing John was very much loved!!

Gord and Ellen Cote
2 years ago

Linda and Family: Ellen and I extend our deepest sorrow for the loss of John. We have known John and in fact the whole Flynn family for a very long time and we feel your loss. Remember:
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal;
Love leaves a memory no one can steal.

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Robin Jewers
2 years ago

Sarah and family, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Reading the words here, he was an Amazing man. How lucky you all were to have known him.

Paul Pattison
2 years ago

Sorry to hear of John’s passing, I was very fortunate to have worked with and for John for about thirty years . He was a real gentleman who made my work days a real joy.

Ian Robertson
2 years ago

To the family and friends we share your loss .
Ian and Mary Robertson

Teena Lafleur
2 years ago

I am so sorry about the loss of your dad. I have so many wonderful memories of him throughout the years. Always a kind and gentle man. I loved his sense of humour. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. Xoxo
Teena

Donations

The family of John Patrick Flynn would like you to consider placing a donation to one of the following charities:

Juravinski Cancer Centre (donation allocation to Juravinski)
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Canadian Cancer Society
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Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold
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