William J. Flynn

william j. flynn
William J. “Bill” Flynn, 74, NEPGA Professional and Hall of Fame Member, who overcame a partially paralyzed right arm from birth to become an icon in North Shore and New England golf circles, died at home, surrounded by family. He was the devoted husband for 53 years of Janice (McCormick) Flynn. Born in Danvers on Oct. 2, 1936, he was the son of the late William and Honora (Hynes) Flynn. He was raised and educated in Danvers and was a graduate of Holten High School, Class of 1955. Flynn’s life in golf started as a 10-year-old caddy at United Shoe Country Club (now Beverly Golf and Tennis Club). Bill went on to become an assistant golf professional/caddymaster at Salem Country Club followed by Head Professional at the Thomson Country Club. He then went on to become owner of Lakeview Golf Course in Wenham, Far Corner Golf Course in West Boxford and the Windham Country Club in Windham, NH. An accomplished golf professional, his victories include the 1959 Vermont Open, the 1963 Massachusetts and the 1968 New England PGA Championship. Serving on the executive committee New England P.G.A. for seven years, he then assumed the duties of secretary-treasurer and later president. Flynn also served as a vice-president of the National PGA and returned as NEPGA secretary-treasurer for 1983 and 1984. He was inducted into the NEPGA Hall of Fame in 1998. Flynn promoted junior golf at all his clubs and courses, offering free junior clinics, free equipment and free play time on his layouts for youths and beginners of all ages. In addition to his wife, he leaves his son and daughter in law, Michael and Kim Flynn of South Hamilton, his son and his companion, Bob Flynn and Lisa Mallard of Danvers, his daughter Joanne of Salem, NH and his daughter and her companion, Janna Flynn and Leif Rochna, two granddaughters, Jordan Rochna of Danvers and Kyra Flynn of Dracut, and a sister, Sheila Moulton-Kelly of Danvers. He was predeceased by a brother, Thomas Flynn. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 13 at 10am in St. Richard Church, 90 Forest St., Danvers. Burial will follow in Annunciation Cemetery, Danvers. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours are Tuesday from 3-8PM in C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Animal Rescue League of Salem, NH, 4 SARL Dr., Salem, NH 03709 or the Danvers People-to-People Food Pantry, PO Box 2076, Danvers, MA 01923. www.LyonsFuneral.com.

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  1. Bob, My sincere condolances on the loss of your father. I’m sure he would be proud of all your accomplishments at Far Corner this year.

  2. My deepest condolences Bob, Mike and JoAnne. I learned some very valuable life lessons from your Dad while working at Lakeview. He will be be greatly missed. Rick Nardella

  3. As a child of former Thompson Club members Tom and Arlene McDonald. I had the honor of having Bill Flynn teach me to play golf. He was a super guy and my parents loved him. Golf has been acgreat lesson for me for life. Thanks Bill! Peace and comfort to all his family he is joining a great group up above and I just know they are having a great time now Bill has joined them!!

  4. Joanne, Our Prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time. Your dad was not only a living legend to golfers throughout NE, but was one in particular to those like myself who always needed help with their golf game.To this day, I can remember him setting me up with my first set of “fitted golf clubs” He told my I was such a wild man and “swung” the clubs so hard that they didn’t make a stiff enough shaft for me and I should use iron clubs. Of course he was kidding (I think) and I proceeded to get a great set that lasted me for years. Every time I saw him, he would kid me about them though. Know that he was truly loved by many people and while this is a difficult time for all of you, he is now in a better place where the birdies and eagles will come easier.

  5. Joanne and family, Bill was a very nice gentleman that will be missed not only in the golf community but in everday life.I think I saw him at every restaurant I have ever worked in,from Jack Hackett’s to The Bay Tower Room. He will be thought of often. So sorry,Richard Colcord

  6. I met Mr. Flynn in 2002 when we were working to start North Shore Golf magazine. I couldn’t believe that a man of such renown would be interested in meeting with me. We sat and talked about the concept of the magazine for over an hour and he lent many ideas of value to me. Mr. Flynn was a very strong and loyal supporter of the publication from it’s inception. In the years following I would see Bill at one of his golf courses or out at lunch at one of his regular stops. He was always welcoming and a true gentleman. My condolences to the Flynn family. It was an honor to get to know your husband, father and grandfather as well as working with Michael, Bob and Joanne over the years.

  7. I would like to express my condolences to the Flynn family. I have fond memories of working for Mr Flynn from 1978 to 1985 at Thomson Country Club and his other courses. He taught me a lot of things that have served me well in life. He was a wonderful man.

  8. Our deepest condolences from the entire Barclay family; Fran, Kent, Bob, Jean and Pat. Our families go back a long way and have shared a lot of golfing and family history. Bill will be deeply missed.

  9. Joanne, My deepest condolences to you and your family. Irene Nour/Member @ Campbells Scottish Highlands

  10. Jan & Family Our most heartfelt thoughts be with you as you go through this difficult time. Take heart that he is only gone before us, and that time will come when your loving husband and father will be waiting to greet you with his legendary grace and kindness. We cherish the many excursions and adventures made possible by Bill. It was an honor to be associated with him and to call him friend. Love to you, and God be with you. Al & Dianne

  11. Dear Joanne, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this very difficult time. Sue Cloutier

  12. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Bill will never be forgotten. I have so many wonderful memories of the years that he was “our pro” at The Thomson Club. He taught my sons to love and respect the game of golf and gave so may of their friends the opportunity to enjoy it. He was truly a giant in the game of golf in Massachusetts. We were so lucky to have him.

  13. Joanne, I am so sorry to hear about the lose of your Dad. I am sure he is very proud of you and what you do. My thoughts and prays are with you and your family at this time.

  14. To the entire Flynn Family- Our heartfelt sympathy on the loss of Bill, he was a wonderful man. We will never forget his kindness to all, and the fun we had during the many group trips over the years. May some of these wonderful memories provide comfort to you at this time. Warmest regards, Laura & The entire Letch Family


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