Lorence Richard 'Dick' Flynn, 74

With loved ones by his side, Dr. Lorence Richard “Dick” Flynn passed peacefully at home on Aug. 15, 2015. He maintained his ever-optimistic outlook on his ability to recover from his ailments until the final moments of his life.

Dick was born to Thomas and Helen Flynn on May 11, 1941, in Kalispell. After graduating from Flathead County High School in 1959, Dick moved to Seattle to pursue a career in dentistry. He graduated with honors from the University of Washington in 1965 with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and was appointed assistant dental surgeon in the Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service. During his service, he had the opportunity to live and work on two Indian Reservations — the Navajo Reservation in Gallup, New Mexico, and the Blackfeet Reservation in Browning. He was recognized by the Division of Indian Health for writing and presenting an article that was published in the Indian Health Journal. He gained great respect for and interest in Native American culture and traditions. Native American artwork and artifacts were prominent in his home and office, and he enjoyed playing Native American flute. He spent the final year of his public health service at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, where he completed post-graduate courses and served as a member of the one-year clinical training program.

Dick opened his first dental practice in Wenatchee, Washington, where he practiced for 10 years. He then moved home to Kalispell and continued his practice of dentistry for another 35 years. Dick was elected to district and state dental associations in both Washington and Montana. In 1989, he worked with Montana Gov. Stan Stephens to write a proclamation that February is Dental Health Month in Montana. In 1992, he was recognized by Kalispell School District for welcoming third grade classes valley-wide to come to his office to learn about caring for their teeth. In 11 years, over 5,000 third graders had visited his office. He provided screenings and curriculum for schools to use during Dental Health Month. He was also recognized by the Colgate Dental Health Education Advisory board for “furthering patient education in interest of dental health.” Dick was passionate about his dental practice; it was rare for him to miss a day at the office, even at his weakest. But it wasn’t fixing teeth that drove this passion; most of all, he treasured the friendships he gained through caring for his patients.

Dick was proud that his family’s history in the Flathead Valley dates back to when the first homesteaders arrived. He agreed with his grandfather, who believed that the valley is “in God’s shirt pocket.” Dick continued a long, familial tradition of contributing to the development and well-being of the community of Kalispell.

Dick was a dedicated son, brother, husband and father. He had immeasurable love and pride for his three children. Many friends of his children comment that he is a part of their favorite childhood memories. He was attentive and supportive in his quiet and gentle way.

Among many things, Dick Flynn will be remembered as humble, kind, thoughtful, positive, hard-working and generous. He always placed the needs of others ahead of his own — even when his needs were greater. Many enjoyed his quick wit and hearty laugh. He had a way of bringing a smile to any circumstance.

Dick is survived by his daughter Annie Flynn and her husband Dane, of Big Arm; his daughter, Lara Flynn, of Shoreline, Washington; and his son and daughter-in-law, Dave and Cindy Flynn, of Snohomish, Washington. He is also survived by five grandchildren whom he adored; his sisters, Donna Nygren of Spokane and Joanne Dykes of Kalispell; and his brother, David Flynn, of Boise, Idaho.

Dick was preceded in death by his wife, Mari Ann Flynn; his mother, Helen Flynn; his father, Thomas Flynn; and two beloved brothers-in-law.

Public services will be held at 11 a.m. on Aug. 29 at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.