FLYNN JASON JAXON TOMCHUK

Flynn was born December 31, 1963, in Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada, to Beverley and Robert Tomchuk. His life ended tragically, February 14, 2011, in an airplane crash in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Flynn and two members of the English congregation were returning to the island of Roatan, Honduras, after attending an advanced Bible Study school for congregation Elders of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Flynn was born with unbelievable energy and a zeal for life. From the time he was young he had a loving, kind-heartedness that drew people to him. His great sense of fairness, honesty and that quick warm smile were so appealing to everyone. He made many life-long friends and was fondly known by them and family by his nickname, 'Chopper'. He loved the outdoors, swimming and fishing, golfing with his dad, and hockey.

Flynn moved to Richland with his family in March 1978. He graduated from Richland High in 1982. His love of working outdoors and a natural aptitude for landscape designing led him to his secular career path. In 1984, Flynn achieved two important milestones. First, he married the love of his life, Tanya. Secondly, a close friend and he purchased Atomic Lawns, a local lawn care maintenance business. They worked hard and their industriousness and integrity resulted in the business growing into a successful, full services landscape company, SunScapes, Inc. Flynn's family and home was a place for people to gather, relax and enjoy one another's association. He enjoyed entertaining and spending time with close friends. He and Tanya raised their daughter with the same love for people that they openly demonstrated.

Flynn chose to become a baptized Jehovah's Witness and symbolized his dedication by water immersion in 1982. He was active in the ministry, sharing Bible truths with people in the community. In his spare time and on weekends, Flynn volunteered his time and resources to engage in the construction of many new Kingdom Halls in various communities in Eastern Washington. He served as a department head on the Regional Building Committee, organizing equipment, acquiring materials and scheduling labor to support the construction projects to successful completion. This activity brought him considerable joy and satisfaction working closely with many other volunteers to build beautiful houses of worship for other Witnesses.

Flynn and his family pursued a goal to travel to Roatan to share Bible teachings with the residents there. Their diligent efforts to serve where there is a great need for Bible education resulted in a few interested individuals growing into a good-sized, active congregation. Flynn conducted many Bible studies and showed keen personal interest in helping younger people advance their Bible knowledge. He often said the happiest time of his life was being in the full-time ministry along with his wife Tanya, daughter Alisha and son-in-law Ronnie.

'... time and unforeseen occurrence ...,' (Eccl. 9:11) brought a sudden end to the work Flynn loved most. However, it is not a permanent end but a temporary interruption. Flynn believed strongly in the Bible's clear promise of the resurrection hope, just as other faithful Christians did in the past. It is only a matter of time now before we will see Flynn and that heartwarming smile, when he is remembered and restored to life everlasting in paradise on a new earth. The Book of Job describes God's earnest desire to restore life to his faithful worshippers, where Job says of God, 'You will call, and I myself shall answer you. For the work of your hands you will have a yearning.' (Job 14:15) We anxiously await that wonderful day when loved ones lost to the enemy death are reunited with those that love them.

Flynn is survived by Tanya, his wife of 27 years; his daughter Alisha, son-in-law Ronnie; his mother and father, Beverley and Robert Tomchuk; his sisters, Bobbi Tomchuk-Siemens of Medicine Hat, Alberta; Nikki Rea of Munroe, WA; and sister and brother-in-law, Corey and Stephan Ferrians of Pasco, WA; and many loving relatives.

At this time of great loss, we pause to acknowledge and sincerely thank everyone for their kind thoughts, expressions of affection, and prayers on behalf of the family.

A memorial will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 5, 2011, in the Three Rivers Convention Center at 7016 W. Grandridge Boulevard, Kennewick, WA. Mr. Beau Hicks of Toronto, ON, Canada, will be officiating. Following the service, a luncheon will be shared at the Pasco Senior Community Center at N. 7th and Marie Ave., in Pasco.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Roatan, Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses will be gratefully accepted.