Douglas Michael Flynn
October 14, 1938 – December 8, 2008
Doug’s sudden passing has left his family and friends in shock and with a big hole in our hearts, one as large as the character and compassion of a guy often known as “Douggie”. He was a big man with a big heart – not to mention the Irish gift of gab - who lived his 70 years to the fullest. He leaves to mourn his soul mate Lorraine of 45 years, his children Monica (and Brian) of Campbell River, David (and Barb) of Alaska, Joel (and Lorena) of Vancouver, and his beloved grandchildren: Luke, Alexis, and Jake. He is survived by his brothers Ray and Tom, many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, good friends, and his very special aunt, Rena Dolan. He was predeceased by his mother Ethel Mae, his step-father Paddy, his step-brother Dennis, and his sister Patricia.
Doug has been around the Campbell River area since he first worked here as a student in the late 1950s. He returned in 1969 with his young family to teach school until he and his wife retired in 1998. He has been an active member of his church and community and was recently honoured as a charter member of the local Knights of Columbus. As a standout lacrosse and basketball player in his day, Doug was well respected by the many youth he coached or mentored during his playing days and his teaching days. Yet fishing was always his passion, and salmon fishing became a 25-year summer retreat from his teaching duties.
As much a storyteller as he was a fisherman, Doug’s retirement years featured a somewhat new passion… singing. He may not have caught any fish with his powerful voice and unique delivery, but he would usually manage to catch the attention of an audience or two on a given night, whether at church choir, karaoke, or the regular jam sessions at the “Quinnie”. He would eventually even record a CD in 2006 - the family effort Desolation Sounds Vol. 1 - further cementing his reputation as one of Campbell River’s endearing and larger-than-life local characters. His presence, his voice, and his smile will be missed greatly.
A vigil prayer service will be held on Friday night at 7 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Parish and a funeral mass will also be held the following day at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Parish. The celebration of his life will continue at the Campbell River Legion Hall from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Family and friends are invited to share a story and lots of hugs as we honour our beloved “Douggie”.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating time, money, or talents to the KC Christmas Hamper Fund, or by supporting local talent such as the C.R. Singers (concert at 8p.m. Saturday) in his memory.