August 18, 1938 - July 29, 2021
On July 29, 2021 Terry O'Flynn, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at Polson Care Home. He is survived by his wife of 55 years Marion, son Mike, daughter Marnie, grandsons Ben and Fraser, and sister Ivy O'Flynn of Vancouver. He was predeceased by his father and mother Art and Ellen O'Flynn, and his brother Dan O'Flynn.
Terry was born in Montreal Que on August 18, 1938, and as a young boy his family moved across Canada to reside in Penticton BC where he was raised and educated. At age 17, friends of Terry convinced him that the Army would bring them all travel and fun, so the 4 of them headed to Vancouver to enlist. Much to all their surprise, Terry was the only one that passed the Army's physical and mental test, and 6 months later he was Germany bound to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces.
He was overseas for 3 years, and learned the printing trade while in the Army. He apprenticed as a printer in Vancouver following discharge. His printing career took him back to Penticton when he met his wife Marion and they were married Sept 11, 1965. They resided in Prince George, Duncan, and Prince Rupert, before planting their roots in Vernon in 1970.
Terry worked for the Vernon Daily News for 25 years as a foreman in the composing room. While still an employee, he established his own home based commercial printing business "East Hill Graphics" in the mid 1980's. A hardworking man of 2 jobs, he had much pride in East Hill Graphics, and had the patience of Jobe fixing and running his many presses, which were far from state of the art.
Terry used to joke that he had the "keen eye of the printer" and that he was spending hours on end in the basement "printing money". He hung up his East Hill Graphics shingle after 25+ successful years.
Terry was a man who enjoyed many, many things. Among those things were fishing, camping, coaching minor baseball, award worthy tomato gardening, ABBA, garage sales, collecting anything and everything, helping friends with computer programs, The History & Documentary Channel, Monty Python & Fawlty Towers, puttering in the basement and shed, working in his print shop, being a lifelong learner, offering help to anyone that asked (and those who didn't), cheering and encouraging the underdog, cold beer, dinner parties, get togethers, friends, and above all, his family.
Terry also found great pleasure in spending time with his 'cronies' as a member of the Army and Navy, Royal Canadian Legion, Kalamalka Flyfishers Club, and the Kinsmen Club.
Terry had an infectious laugh and smile and more often than not would be hysterically chuckling to himself, always finding the humor in any situation. He nurtured friendships, gave a gentle smile or nod to anyone who may benefit, and shared his generosity and lighthearted spirit to all those he met. He enjoyed sharing stories with his kids and grandsons, and often left family and friends reeling in laughter at his ridiculous antics and expressions.
The humor will live on in the stories of times shared with Terry, and he will be missed and remembered by those who knew him, laughed with him, and loved him.
The family would like to express their gratitude to all of the wonderful caring staff at Polson Care Home who cared for Terry like a beloved family member over the past 10 months, as well as Daryl at Bethel Funeral Chapel for your compassion and kindness handling Terry's cremation.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting a donation to the Alzheimer's Society of BC in Terry's memory, a random act of kindness, or raise a glass and share your memories of time spent with him.
Family and friends will be notified of a Celebration of Life at a future date.