Patrick Francis Flynn, Jr.

Patrick Francis Flynn, Jr., age 64, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023, at his home in Placentia, California, after a 4+ year battle with lung cancer. He was born on June 13, 1958 in Los Angeles.

Patrick grew up in Yorba Linda, California, enjoying the open spaces it offered back in the 1960s, building his adventuresome spirit as a boy scout, his deep connection to the outdoors, and making lifelong friends. He loved to travel, hike, was artistic, a musician, and a philosopher. He went to Troy High School, Fullerton College, and graduated Cal State Chico, with a BA in religious studies, followed by a JD at the University of San Diego. He was a lawyer, spending the early part of his career in Pacific Beach, where he was also a member of the city council. He spent the last 20+ years of his legal career at California's State Fund, where he retired in 2019 - he held close the many colleagues and friends he made during his career there.

His life's focus and main achievement was the raising of his children Margaret and Bernard - he was their father and was proud of them and their accomplishments, cheering them on as they grew into adults.

He met his perfect match late in life with his wife Jane Myers Drew. They were married in April 2022 and were able to travel and enjoy each other on many adventures and outings this past year, including a special trip to London to see ABBA.

Patrick was a man of deep faith. God guided his thoughts and life. He was known to say, "Trust in God in life and in death." He was a very active member of Yorba Linda United Methodist Church, including playing guitar in the Praise Band. He was also an active member for many years with "MOB"- Men Of the Bible group, another source of close friends whom he cherished.

Patrick was truly a friend to all - he connected with anyone, anywhere, at anytime, and treated and saw whoever he met as a singularly unique person, with a unique story that he wanted to hear. He loved talking to people, learning their stories, and staying in touch with them. People often felt a deep connection with Patrick even if they just briefly met. He was a lifelong learner, taking most recently tap dance (thank you Toni Hoffman!) and prior to that singing lessons. He also loved to teach, just last year as instructor in beginning guitar lessons at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Cal State Fullerton, where he also extended his friend circle.

Patrick was predeceased by his father Patrick Flynn and mother Nellie Ann Flynn (Beatty). He is survived by his wife Jane Myers Drew, his two children Margaret Flynn and Bernard Flynn, his siblings Maureen Flynn-Becerra, Hillary Ondo (Robert), Kevin Flynn (Patchamon), Kathleen Flynn, Bryan Flynn (Cory), and Shawn Flynn (Tiffany), and many other relatives and friends.

Patrick's family would like to especially thank the medical team at UCI and CHAO Cancer Center. Memorials may be gifted to cancer research in his name. Along with the excellent medical care he received, it was from the more recent breakthroughs in treatments that extended Pat's life and its quality over these past 4+ years, which he was very grateful for. He remained upbeat until the end and reached out to those facing similar, difficult circumstances.

A celebration of Patrick's life will be held on Thursday February 2nd, 2023 at 10am at Yorba Linda United Methodist Church. A graveside service will follow at Loma Vista, Fullerton, followed by a reception and luncheon back at the YL Methodist Church - all are welcome. Scott McAulay Family New Options Funeral Services of Fullerton is managing arrangements.