Hal was blessed by the love of two wonderful, strong, faithful women. He was married to his loving partner, Carolyn Palmer Flynn, for 54 years. He is survived by Jean Craig Flynn, whom he lovingly called his “Bride”, celebrating their anniversaries by counting months, not years.
His legacy will be cherished by his children: Jeffrey (Sharon) Flynn, Carol (Paul) Coleman and Hope (Brian) McGookey; his grandchildren: Andrew (Deanna) Benes, Daniel Benes (Lynn Olgilvie), Sarah (John) Heed, Timothy McGookey (Katherine Ditzler), Grace McGookey (Michael O’Dea), and Frederick Coleman; his seven great-grandchildren and many extended family and friends.
In addition to his wife, Carolyn, he was predeceased by his brother, Albert H. Flynn and his parents, Southard T. Flynn and Hope Halladay Flynn.
Hal was a man defined by his relationships: to his family, to his church and to his community. He loved nothing better than sharing wonderful stories of his eventful life, too many to be detailed here. He was born and lived for most of his life in the environs of Flint, Michigan. He was a lifelong Presbyterian, serving 25 years as a volunteer choir director at Flushing Presbyterian Church. Later, he returned to worship, where he was baptized, at First Presbyterian Church of Flint. He was educated at Academy of Richmond County(GA), Central High School (Flint), Kalamazoo College, University of Michigan and various professional institutes. Most of his working life, he and Carolyn resided in Flushing, while he was employed at Genesee Bank, retiring after 30 years as Vice President for Special Projects. After a year traveling as a Senior Counsel with American City Bureau, Chicago, he returned as President and CEO of Flint Public Trust where he helped guide its merger with Flint Area Health Foundation, forming Community Foundation of Greater Flint.
In retirement, Hal and Carolyn lived in Fairfield Glade, Tennessee, before returning to Ann Arbor, where his true Maize-and-Blue could really shine. In later years, he enjoyed life with Jean in Grand Blanc, Siesta Key, and Higgins Lake.
Hal began his journey serving his community as a canvasser for the Red Feather campaign in 1953. Hal was quoted in the Flint Journal in 1995, “Each of us makes a decision...If things are important enough, we find the time.” His wisdom, experience and caring have benefited many organizations through the years, including in leadership roles of local branches of Salvation Army, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, United Way, Urban Coalition, Child and Family Services, and Chamber of Commerce. He was designated as a Paul Harris Fellow with Rotary International. He was awarded the Hands of Mercy from the Salvation Army, the title “Big Brother of the Year” from the Big Brothers - Big Sisters of Greater Flint, the National Application Pin from the Girl Scouts, and the C.S. Mott Citizen of the Year award from the Flint Chamber of Commerce.
Memorial Donations may be made in H. Halladay Flynn’s name to
Flint Rotary Club, 2481 Delwood Dr., Clio, Michigan 48420
The Salvation Army Genesee County, 211 W. Kearsley Street, Flint, Michigan 48502
First Presbyterian Church of Flint, the Hope Flynn Music Scholarship Fund, 746 S. Saginaw St., Flint,
Michigan 48502
https://www.acionlinegiving.com/1214
Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1500 Scio Church Rd., Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103 https://westpresa2.org/online-giving/
The family would like to thank Susan (Alan) Bernard, Robert Craig, and, James (Kiyoi) Craig, and their children and grandchildren, for the love and joy given as they welcomed Hal into their family.
The family also wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Abbey Park and The Medical Team for their care and compassion, being with Hal when we could not. You were our eyes and hands, and for that we will be forever grateful.
Out of concern for the vulnerable ones in our family and community, the service of Celebration of Life and Witness to the Resurrection for Hal Flynn has been postponed until we may gather safely in the refurbished sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, Flint, Michigan
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18