August 6, 1936 – May 30, 2016
It is with profound sadness and an overwhelming sense of relief that the Flynn boys announce the passing of their amazing mom, Kim on Monday, May 30, just two months short of her 80th Birthday. Kim passed away peacefully at Yucalta Lodge with her baby boy, Graeme, and her “daughter by choice” Marni by her side. Kim was a kind soul who cared deeply and lovingly about every student she taught, every co-worker or friend she met, every cat and dog she adopted, and every person she became acquainted with. Anyone who was touched by Kim was changed forever, because they were now loved and worried about for the rest of their lives.
Kim was raised an only child and her family travelled extensively. In fact, Kim never spent a full year in one school until her graduating year due to her dad’s career travels. Her beloved cousins, Jeannette and Estelle, became her surrogate sisters. She loved her cousins and their families deeply, even though distance made the visits rare. Kim eventually met and married Tom Flynn and they chose Campbell River to establish their roots and raise their three boys. It was an idyllic childhood for the boys, as their home was the unofficial recreation centre of Willow Point. Friends were always welcome to play, stay and eat.... and boy did they! Kim loved the craziness, friendship, competition and love. No stray adult, child or animal was ever turned away.
Kim chose teaching as a career, likely for its stability and her desire to touch as many people as she could. She was a passionate, inspiring, and caring teacher who remembered and loved all her “kids”. The accomplishments, achievements, and growth of former students into successful adults always made her so happy and proud. Although her true passion was Grade 1, she had also taught Kindergarten (disliked the cooking and nap times) and Grade 2/3. Most of her career was at Willow Point Elementary but she also spent some time at Cedar, Pinecrest and Oyster River. Many of her most valued friendships came from the people she worked with over the years.
Marrying into the extremely close Flynn clan gave her the sisters, brothers and extended family she never really had. This larger than life, boisterous, musical, fun-loving and passionate Irish family became hers. Mother-in-laws, brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews and their families….she loved them all so much. Family gatherings, dinners, holidays and sing-a-longs were special times for everyone and Kim loved the silliness.
Unfortunately, poor health for the past 15 years dimmed her bright light and she was not able to keep sharing the love. The past six years were spent in Yucalta Lodge with little ability to communicate, either verbally or written. This didn’t keep Kim from being a bright light of “positiveness” at the Lodge. The compassionate and loving care provided by the amazing staff at Yucalta went far beyond people doing their jobs. Her caregivers at the Lodge became her family, friends and confidantes. We can attest to the fact that her Yuculta family made a huge difference in Kim’s later years. We are humbled and honoured by the care Kim received and want you to know how much she loved you all and how much love she felt while being cared for!
Kim was predeceased by her parents Bill and Estelle Williams, sister/cousin Estelle Muzyczka (Mike), brother-in-laws Dennis, Doug and Ray Flynn, and beloved kindred spirit and sister-in-law Pat Martin. She was also predeceased by one of her dearest friends, Francis Clive, and many other friends, fellow teachers and 4 legged companions.
Kim is lovingly survived by her three boys: Kevin Flynn (Cathy) from Salmon Arm, Trevor and Graeme Flynn, her daughter by choice, Marni Smith, her favorite cat….Purrrrr, her ex-husband Tom (Colette), loving and caring sister-in-laws Lorraine Flynn and Kathy Flynn all of Campbell River, as well as her cousin/sister Jeannette (Ray) Herstead of Ontario. Grandchildren Chris, Curtis, Makena and Dylan will forever remember her. Also surviving are all the Flynn cousins and their wonderful families who experienced her love and will be forever treasured and remembered by her.
Special heartfelt thanks from the boys to Marni Smith, Aunty Lorraine (and all her Catholic Church family) and her “Bestie” Mary Stokes (Begg) for always being there for Mom in her final years and hours.Your love, caring and compassion meant so much to Kim.
There will be an informal gathering for family, friends, former students, colleagues and Yucalta caregivers to remember and say goodbye to Kim on Saturday, June 4th at 2pm at Graeme’s home….. 1086 Cordero Crescent, Campbell River. Instead of gifts or flowers or cards PLEASE donate to the SPCA in Kim’s name. She loved her pets with a passion and missed them so much while in her final years in Yuculta.
Mom, you will forever be missed. We love you with all our hearts.
Love your boys