Timothy David Flynn

2 Timothy 4:6-8

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

Tim was born in Edmonton, Alberta, but called both the United States and Canada home. He was born with a curiosity for figuring out how things worked. He spent his childhood developing a love for mechanics, which eventually led him to pursue a degree in engineering. He and his brother, Rob, shared a love for cars and racing. Tim was so proud of his brother and enjoyed following his drag racing career. Tim was a loving and attentive son; he would drop whatever he was doing to sit and chat with his mom. 

Tim graduated from the University of Alberta with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He was dedicated to his position as Director of Research & Development for RMS Welding, specializing in pipeline welding robotics. Being an engineer was not just a career for him – it was who he was. He was known for his creative and eloquent solutions to problems and for his integrity in doing things correctly. He was careful, precise, and methodical in everything he did. He joked that there were two kinds of people, fixers and breakers, and he was a fixer extraordinaire!  

Tim met Julie, his “Sweetie,” after taking a job in Redmond, Washington, and they married in 1994. Tim’s career took him back to Edmonton where they raised their four kids. A later career move took the family to Houston, Texas, where they enjoyed lake life and watching their children grow into adults. After several more years back in Edmonton, he and Julie eventually settled in Mount Vernon, Washington. 

Every day was an adventure with a big and active family and Tim was a devoted family man who loved camping trips, ski trips, road trips, watching and coaching soccer, and helping with homework. He had an incredible sense of humor and the ability to light up a room with laughter even in the hardest of times. It was always an adventure…never a dull moment with Tim at the helm! He was ever present and always available, happy to provide a tease or joke and heartfelt guidance.

Tim was an incredible father and mentor, not just to his own children, but to the many kids who gathered in their home over the years. He gave his children a perspective that will long outlive him: that family is the most important thing in life and that it is important to stop, smell the roses, and focus on the journey instead of just getting from point A to point B. 

Somehow the boy from land-locked Alberta became a lover of all things nautical. He loved sailing; a big highlight of his life was the annual trip with the guys on the Zodiac. He was loyal to the group and never missed a sailing trip in 25 years! Other hobbies included cars and he especially enjoyed his green 2007 Jaguar. Tim loved road trips; driving was a passion for him, especially pulling the family travel trailer on many adventures. He enjoyed winter sports such as skiing, ice skating, and hockey, then rounded out with warmer weather sports including hiking and mountain biking. He loved projects and tinkering and was always busy in the shop or garage, working on house projects.  

Tim was a man of faith who prayed for his wife and children and knew his salvation was in Jesus Christ. His family takes great comfort in knowing that he is in heaven with his Creator. He lived his life humbly, knowing that all of his many blessings were given by God. 

In the weeks prior to his passing, the Flynn family coined the phrase “The Tim Effect.” This was Tim’s uncanny ability to impact and connect with anyone he came into contact with. The phenomenon was especially evident during his time in the hospital as doctors, nurses, and staff who met him were moved by his presence, strength, and selflessness. The family would like to thank the medical team at Providence Hospital and Hospice of the Northwest for their care. 

Tim is survived by his wife, Julie Flynn, his mother, Marilyn Flynn, his brother, Robert Flynn (wife Michelle), his four children, Jared Galbraith (wife Laura), Danica Sessions (husband Alex), Alyss Flynn (partner Luc), and Mallory Iversen (husband Carl). He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Anna, Blakely, Tyler, Mari, and June. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Robert Flynn.

A funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17 at Bethany Covenant Church in Mount Vernon, Washington. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer. 

For those who cannot attend the service in person, please use the following link to view online:

http://www.youtube.com/@bethanycovenantchurch3418