Click the link to an article about Charlotte in the Austin Chronicle, written about 10 years ago but it captures her delightful spirit. http://www.austinchronicle.com/issues/vol17/issue10/pols.graypanther.html
Somewhat fewer people knew Charlotte's beloved husband Bill, a social activist in his own right. Bill and Charlotte were married for 65 years, until his death last Monday at the age of 90. I noticed that in the obituary, she refered to him as her "partner". I liked that.
I don't want this to sound cliche, but Bill Flynn really did lead an extraordinary life and truly fought the good fight; a modest man who was always listening, learning, and doing the right thing. And despite his obvious depth and intelligence, I can't picture his face without a smile on it, just breaking into a laugh. He was a great guy, a true gentleman, and a champion of all the right causes. Luckily he and Charlotte had children and grandchildren, a wonderful family, so maybe we'll continue to see something of Bill Flynn in the future.
Read his tribute from the Austin American Statesman-
Flynn, William Thomas "Bill"*
William "Bill" Thomas Flynn, P.E. How Beautiful the Day that is touched by Love. William "Bill" Thomas Flynn, P.E., age 90, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 26, 2007. Bill was born in St. Louis, Mo. on October 8, 1916, to William Flynn and Olympia Biegler Flynn, and married Charlotte Koehler on July 11, 1941. Married for over 65 years, he is survived by his wife Charlotte, and their three children: Liz Flynn of Waco, Mary Lou Flynn-DuPart and her husband Mike of Alvin, and Greg Flynn, his wife Alicia, and their daughters Kathryn and Charlotte of Austin.
Bill was an officer in the United States Navy and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II as a member of UDT7 (Underwater Demolition Team 7, a precursor to the Navy Seals). He received the Silver Star for action at Saipan and was discharged honorably from active service in 1945.
Bill later became an activist for peace, and his wish is to see "all countries do away with their armed forces and be at peace with one another."
Working as a Civil Engineer for 59 years, Bill's professional goal was to be of service to his fellow workers and his community. His career included work on the Panama Canal, Schlitz breweries, the "new" Seton Hospital on 38th St., and the City of Austin Water/Wastewater system. He was happiest when he completed meaningful projects that worked as planned.
He served two years as the village president of Thiensville, Wisconsin, was a long-time treasurer of the Austin Chapter of the Gray Panthers, a committee member of ASTM, and was active in the St. Edward's University Catholic Community.
One of Bill's passions was land tax reform, and he worked diligently to realize the ideas contained in Henry George's "Progress and Poverty." He wrote numerous letters to the editors of the Austin American Statesman in pursuit of justice.
Another passion of Bill's was education. He said that the best advice he could give a twenty year old would be:
"If you've started college or university training, you've probably had good counseling and you have found yourself in the proper field. Now, work at it to the best of your abilities. An education is not intended to teach you how to make money; it is to teach you how to live and make a better contribution to the common good. If you decide not to continue studies beyond high school, rethink your decision now: it is never too late. Further study is sure to increase your career options and your opportunities for greater service."
As a result of these sentiments, the family requests that donations be made in Bill's name to the St. Edward's University Scholarship Fund. Donations may be sent to St. Edward's University, University Advancement, Box 1028, Austin, TX 78704.
Bill's biggest sources of strength and happiness were his family and friends (and dark chocolate). His longtime love for Charlotte was enhanced by all the members of his family including his siblings Ed (deceased), Catherine, Gene (deceased), Bob, Owen (deceased), and Jack and their spouses, Mary (deceased), Al, Pat, Martha, Loretto and Gerry, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
In the last few years, he was blessed with an extensive network of caregivers, supporters, helpers, and friends for which he was (and his family remains) most grateful. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
We all feel blessed that Bill was a part of our lives. Please join us for a memorial service and celebration of Bill's life at the St. Edward's University Chapel on Saturday, March 31, at 4:00 p.m. Peace.
Published in the Austin American-Statesman on 3/29/2007.
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