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1924 – 2013
Michael Flynn was born July 17, 1924, in Ireland, growing up in Lackagh near Galway, as the eldest of seven siblings. At the age of eight, after reading letters from cousins sent as nuns to a distant heathen land called Los Angeles, he set himself the goal to somehow work his way to this wondrous place of sunshine. He earned his medical degree at University College, Galway (now the National University of Ireland, Galway).
Within months he was aboard a steamship on his way to New York and a surgical residency to become an ear, nose and throat specialist (otolaryngologist). After training at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary he moved to Los Angeles to set up practice.
He met his future wife, Heidi Mullenger, on a blind date they were both pressed into. Soon it was discovered that they had lived across the street from each other while in New York, but had never met. Not much later they were a couple and again living in New York as Michael took up residency for further training in plastic surgery at Cornell. Once done it was back to Los Angeles and Beverly Hills. And not long after that son Peter and daughter Kate came along.
From the 1950s to the mid-1980s Michael practiced as a highly regarded ENT specialist and plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills. Upon his retirement, Michael and Heidi settled down in North San Diego County, building a home in Rancho Santa Fe.
Michael was an avid and competitive tennis player, an enthusiastic jogger, and connoisseur of simple yet excellent food.
He is survived by wife, Heidi; son, Peter Flynn and his wife Deanna of San Diego; daughter, Dr. Kate Flynn and her partner Dr. Tony King of Bristol in the United Kingdom; and grandchildren, Liam, Lydia and Daniel. In Ireland he is survived by sister, Dr. Betty O'Malley, and brothers, Thomas Flynn and Richard Flynn. He was preceded in death by brothers, David Flynn, Kieran Flynn and Dr. Martin Flynn.
His last years were spent in slow gradual decline of which he never once complained. He fought on stoically to the very end, dying peacefully in the evening of Monday the 25th of February, 2013. He remained a source of strength to everyone around him.
Michael P. Flynn, a good man who is sorely missed.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May you find comfort from the good news of God. Isaiah 61:2
March 28, 2013
Dear Heidi,
Frank and I wish to send you and your children our heartfelt condolences on the death of Mike. He was one of a kind. Frank cherishes memories of years of competition on the tennis court, along with hours of sharing memories of the "Old Countries" as they sat waiting for their next turn on the court. He will be sorely missed by you all, but grief will be mitigated by the knowledge that his lingering suffering has ended. He will be very fondly remembered by everyone who knew him.
With warmest sympathy, Jean Rowland
March 18, 2013
Dear Heidi,
I spent many wonderful hours playing tennis with Mike and sitting courtside with him after we played. We discussed many subjects and I was always impressed with how well informed he was and how often his viewpoints revealed a basic kindness and a desire to help others. Mike was a good man and a good friend, and I will think of him often. Please accept my sincere condolences, Heidi, for your enormous loss.
George Bullette
March 16, 2013
I always looked forward to seeing Dr. Flynn come to the office - he was a most charming man. It is my prayer that the warmth of every memory will turn your tears of sorrow into liquid gratitude for knowing this lovely person.
Sharon Alix
March 15, 2013
Dearest Heidi and Family,
We have fond memories of Himself greeting us while jogging as we were riding our horses around the reservoir.
Our prayers and thought are with you and your family at this time.
Connie & Bill McNally
Connie & Bill McNally
March 15, 2013
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