Thomas R. Flynn, 96

Thomas R. Flynn, 96, passed away on Saturday, April 3, 2010. He was born Oct. 3, 1913, in Kalispell to Thomas Andrew and Magdelean (Johnson) Flynn. He attended Kalispell schools, graduating from Flathead County High School in the Class of 1930. He later received a degree in accounting from LaSalle University. Tom married Helen Horntvedt in 1932. Together they raised four children. Tom and Helen were founding members of Central Bible Church. Flynn Lumber Company donated much of the lumber for construction of the church. Tom s work experience spanned over 75 years. His jobs and business all relied upon his accounting expertise and pragmatic business savvy. He was employed by Kalispell Mercantile Company, Montgomery Ward and Flathead Commercial, where he was office manager. When Flathead Commercial was sold to Buttrey s in 1946, he started Kalispell Accounting Service. He added lumber sales in 1947 and incorporated Flynn Lumber Company in 1955. He was elected mayor of Kalispell in 1961, and served through May of 1967. Subsequently, Tom became utility auditor for the city of Whitefish for 12 years. He then conducted a municipal rate consulting business, setting water and sewer rates for cities in the area. He also was a consultant on oil royalty ownership for the past 20 years. Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Helen, in 2005. He is survived by his four children, Donna Nygren and husband, Les, of Spokane, Joanne Dykes and husband, Leonard, of Kalispell, Lorence Flynn of Kalispell, David Flynn and wife, Carolyn, of Boise, Idaho. He was a grandpa to many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Tom was a thoughtful man whose considered opinion was sought out and valued by many. He loved God. He loved his family. He loved his country with a special love for Montana and the Flathead Valley where he lived out all of his 96 years. Services for Thomas R. Flynn will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 17, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. Memorials may be given in Tom s name to the charity of your choice.