A life well lived, loved and shared – Thomas “Paul” Flynn

Exceeding his own prediction by 7 years, Paul passed on May 12, 2024 just shy of his 95th birthday. Truly the definition of a life well lived, Paul, in his own words said “I’ve had a great life. I wouldn’t have changed a thing”.

Born in Dublin, Ireland into a 6-sibling family, he enjoyed his family, working as a mechanic, riding his motorcycle with his mates, and then meeting the love of his life, Pamela, who would become his wife and lifelong partner in adventure for the next 74 years! Paul met Pamela when he caught her helping her friend let air out of his tire. They mistakenly thought it was his friend’s motorcycle, who Pam’s friend liked. Paul said he loved her feistiness and the rest was history…

They moved to Canada, got married, and had two kids, Janet and Michael. Paul’s great skill as a mechanic transitioned him naturally into the Insurance business, becoming an Insurance Adjuster, Chief Agent and then Treasurer. Instead of retiring, he continued in a second career as an Insurance Broker due to his love of people, learning about their lives, helping them with their financial future and being a confidante to many. He finally officially retired at age 91!

Travelling was always on the agenda: whether for work, to visit family in Ireland, England, New York and Seattle, exploring Canada by train, fun trips through many U.S. states and of course the paradise of Hawaii. Paul would seek out the unusual or off-the-map places to explore.

With his love of food and different tastes, Paul enjoyed going to restaurants of different cultures and liked to experiment making his own delicious dishes, a great ad hoc chef. He also baked an amazing apple pie with his own homemade crust. Being a foodie, Paul would tell Janet about continuing education courses they could take, always detailing the food ‘spread’ that would be served.

Being out on the water, feeding the seagulls, trying to catch fish, or just plain speed boating was Paul’s passion. Most weekends in the summer months he enjoyed being out on the boat with family. Big boats were also enjoyed. Paul and Pam and all their Irish friends would go cruising in the Caribbean each year. They were known as the ‘Cruisers’.

Being a mechanic at heart, Paul could fix anything, and we mean anything! He was always curious how things worked and enjoyed tinkering around. He and Michael also enjoyed ‘mooching’ around flea markets, just in case there was something special to find. Paul had many cars over his lifetime, and instilled the love of cars to his family (especially sports cars!). A neighbour once asked if our family worked for GM due to the Camaro and Firebirds in the driveway.

Our family dogs and cats loved Paul, and he made them excited and us laugh with his funny faces and voices. Those funny faces and voices he did right up to the end.

We’ll close with some of Paul’s memorable quotes shared with us over the years:

“She was an old 15” (in reference to meeting Pam at the young age of 15)
“If I was any better, I couldn’t stand it” (when asked how he is)
“You’re looking good today” (his first greeting to you on a phone call)
“Let’s go mooching around” (to flea markets)
“Will it matter in 100 years” (if you had a nagging worry)
"Don't tell your mother" (after doing donuts in the car in the snow)
"Leave it with me" (when Paul wanted more time to analyse or ponder)
“Something will always get you in the end” (his explanation of death)

Rest in peace Paul! We miss you dearly already, you are the best!

In Paul’s memory, please raise a glass to toast a life well lived!
And try a type of food you’ve never tasted before.

A private family gathering has occurred. No flowers or donations are requested.