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Bill Flanagan

January 12, 2012

Peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, January 12th, 2012 at Victoria Hospital. Beloved husband of Mary. Loving father of Tobi Flanagan (Jeff Bennett) and their children Clare and Andrew; Todd Flanagan (Abi) and their children Kiera, Maren and Jack; and Shauna Flanagan (Chris Smyrl). Sadly missed by his beloved sister Marilyn Drope (Bryan) and their family. Predeceased by his brother Kevin. Bill had a keen sense of humour and was passionate about the importance of family. He was a dedicated teacher and coach for 35 years. A celebration of his life will be held at the WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Saturday, January 21st, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service. Donations to the Thames Valley Children’s Centre, Terry Fox Foundation or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

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I am so sorry for your loss. I always remember your father as a very kind and concerned teacher at St Thomas More. He made a real impact on many lives and he will be greatly missed.

~ Helen Underwood

I will always remember, with gratitude, the warmth and generosity shown by Bill when he insisted that I become a 'fully fledged' member of the Flanagan Clan. My heart goes out not only to Mary but to his five precious grandchildren who he adored, they will always carry very special memories of their Poppa.

~ Lesley Beagley

Mary: We are so sorry to hear of Bill's passing and that we did not know of his illness.Our Family of Cousins is certainly diminished. Our thoughts are with you and your Family, as well as with Marilyn and her Family. Sincerely, Ron & Alice.

~ Ron & Alice Fournier

I was so saddened to hear of Bill's passing. My heart goes out to the family at this difficult time. Love always, Cori

~ Cori Myroon

I am so sorry to hear Bill has left this world. Anyone who taught with him will remember his sense of humour and his love of order. I will never forget the day, as a new teacher, that I unknowingly sat in his designated chair in the staff room. When he walked in, without a word, his eyes told me I was doing something wrong and I figured it out quickly. When I moved to another chair, he smiled this gigantic smile and happily sat down in his chair. No one else could ever fill that chair, Bill. You will be missed. My heart goes out to Mary and all the kids. Sincerely, Rosemary

~ Rosemary Birch-Arrowsmith

Mr. Flanagan was a wonderful teacher and coach at St. Martin's. I can still remember his brown pants, the whistle around his neck, and the smile he always wore. In meeting Tobi many years later, it is clear that his legacy will live on. My sincerest condolences to the family.

~ Jenn Hill (O'Brien)

Mary, Tobi, Todd, Shauna and families. I was very sorry to hear about the passing of Bill. He was a good friend. I have so many fond memories of working and coaching with him at St. Thomas More. I also spent so many nights sharing meals with your family during those years. We had many good times together. Even in retirement, I always looked forward to catching up with him at the gymnastics and track meets and hearing all about you kids and your families. He will be greatly missed.

~ Kim Kearney-Rossiter

Our condolences on your loss.

~ Adrian and Andrea Weber

Todd and Abi, I was so sad to hear the news of your dad passing. Wanted to let you know that we at Pathways Health Centre for Children are thinking of you and your family at this time.

~ Sacha Smith

My condolences to Bill's family. I have fond memories of working with him at St. Jude School. His dedication and sense of humor was very much appreciated.

~ Joanne Skuse Fitzpatrick

Tobi, so sorry to hear about your Dad. He deserved a longer retirement. I often think of how helpful you were when I was at Parkwood (2008).

~ Brian Barrett

Our deepest sympathy to Mary and family at this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and wishing you comfort and peace.

~ Terry and Helga Smyrl

Mary, my thoughts are with you and your family. It is a truly devastating time for all of you.

~ Denise Moreland

Bill, we will greatly miss your humor and bottomless hospitality. We know we will continue to be part of your family and be able to share with them many happy memories.

~ Lorraine & Jack Beagley

Mary, Tobi, Todd and Shauna, Meg and I offer our condolences during a very sad and difficult time. Your family was a welcomed support when I first moved to London many years ago. Bill was warm and friendly, and his humour was inclusive... He spared no one when they walked through the threshold. We are thinking of you and will remember Bill fondly. Love Kevin and Meg

~ Kevin Schildroth

Thinking of you and your family, Mary. Please accept our condolences. We love you.

~ Rob, Linda and Bob Campbell

Mary and family, our condolences. We remember so many wonderful times that we were together as couples at St. Martin staff get-to -gethers! We loved you both and remember so fondly the fun and humour Bill brought to those times and in our workplace.

~ Len and Dee Cunning

(Donated to Thames Valley Children's Centre)

~ Gladys Wenger, Janet and George Shannon, Marsha Dewar

(Donated to Thames Valley Children's Centre)

~ Andrea Weber

(Donated to Thames Valley Children's Centre)

~ Lesley Beagley

(Donated to Terry Fox Foundation)

~ Murray Hunter

(Donated to Terry Fox Foundation)

~ Rob, Linda and Bob Campbell

Todd, Abi & Family, Please know we're thinking of you during this difficult time. Our deepest condolences, Sean and Stephanie

~ Sean Lindner and Stephanie Whitson

Dear Mary, Tobi & Jeff, Clare & Andrew, Todd & Abi, Kiera, Maren & Jack, Shauna & Chris. My thoughts are with everyone during this time. I have many wonderful memories of Bill and everyone during the years I lived in London. May your memories sustain you with your loss. Love Always, Cindy Campbell

~ Cindy Campbell

Dear Abi, Todd and Tobi, My thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time. I know you will be missing your dad, and all your little children will be missing their grampa already. take good care, rhonda

~ Rhonda Teichrob

Mary and family : Our deepest sympathy in your loss . Bill had a great sense of humour and a wit that he displayed many times in conversation. It gives me a smile when I think of it. May you all hold those great memories close to give you comfort and strength always . Love Fred and Ann Marie

~ Fred and Ann Marie Schildroth

Mary and family. Sorry to hear of Bill's passing. There is many fond memories since you spent that summer in Barrie with us and met Bill. Love to all and my sympathies . Ken from Oman

~ Ken Dewar

Mary and family, our deep condolences. I, Jan, have so many wonderful memories of Bill's many accomplishments at Thomas More School. Bill was an excellent coach and excellent colleague. He enjoyed a party and he was always ready to look at life with a smile. Bill was always supportive of others. My last contacts with Bill occurred when he was volunteering at the Board's gymnastic meets. I will miss his teasing and his human warmth. John and I very much enjoyed our contacts with Bill and Mary. He will be very much missed.

~ Jan and John Ruypers

My condolences to the family of Mr. Flanagan – a wonderful teacher and coach. As one of his grade 6 students at St. Jude, I remember enjoying his sense of humour, wishing that I could be as organized as he was, and being inspired and encouraged by his work as a coach. Our class had so much fun together under his guidance – and many of us are still friends to this day! I’m grateful for the happy memories that he left us with, and I will be praying for him and for you all in the days to come.

~ Janet Mockler Duketow

Our deepest sympathy to the entire Flanagan family on such a tragic loss. Tobi, Todd and Shauna, our hearts go out to you who are stellar examples of the positive impact of such a great Dad.

~ Callie and John Cesarini

We are so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Our love and sympathy go to you, Mary, and your family.

~ Farquhar and Mae MacDonald

Our condolences to Mary and family. Bill was a great teacher and coach to our girls at St. Jude. We were touched by his dedication to his students, his sense of humour, his caring nature. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

~ John and Chris Mockler

My condolences to Mr. Flanagan's family during this difficult time. Mr. Flanagan was a dynamic Grade 5 teacher to me at St. Martin's many years ago and his teachings still resonate with me today. He will be sorely missed to me and many,

~ Kate O'Brien

Thinking of you Mary and your family at this difficult time. The comfort of your loving family and support of friends continue that strong bond of love for Bill. May the many family memories keep his warmth near your hearts. Regards Linda Dewar

~ Linda and Ken Dewar

Mary and Family and Marilyn, Bryon and Families We are all thinking of you all. I know Father Ted will also be thinking of you all and will keep you and Bill in his prayers and we will in ours also. Sincerely Valerie

~ Valerie and Phil Callus

Mary, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. My thoughts are with you at this sad and difficult time. Love Marsha.

~ Marsha Dewar

My deepest condolences to the family of Bill Flanagan. I worked with Bill briefly at St. Jude School and my memories are of his dedication to the students outside of the classroom. Bill was an enthusiastic coach and cheer leader. I can picture him teaching students the proper form to hand off a baton during track and field or refereeing a game in the gym. I don't remember him ever saying no when asked to referee! After his retirement he volunteered at many Board athletic events. His favourite I think was track and field. Again, I can picture his genuine enthusiasm for the participants and especially for the struggling runner, making sure they came across the finish line feeling like they were in first place. He touched countless lives in this way! He will be missed.

~ Bret Babington

Bill was a giver. He cared for every single kid he ever encountered, and wanted what was best for them. He was at every single track & field meet, and every single gymnastics meet, always volunteering for the benefit of the kids. His work with the Optimist Free Throw Competition (with Jack) was amazing, another example of his selfless contributions to the kids. His energy level was just as high in June of 2011 at TD Waterhouse as it had been every other time that I saw him. When he signed up to be a teacher, all those years ago, he would have said that he'd do everything he could to help kids. He did that and he did more than that. Integrity. Bill made the world a better place.

~ Pat Gowdy

Our sincere condolences to you, Mary, and to your family. We remember fondly Westminster staff social occasions when Bill would be part of the good times we all enjoyed so much.

~ Beverly Harley & Dave Chalmers

Mary; Please except my deepest sympathies. I will miss Bill's sense of humour. May God be with you and your family during this difficult time.

~ Roy Mantle

Our deepest condolences and know that our thoughts are with you and your family, Marilyn.

~ Bill, Mandy, Jeremy & Sean

My coldolences to Mr. Flanagan's family. He was my grade 6 teacher at St. Jude. He was a wonderful teacher and many of my classmates from that year still talk about him and what a great year we had. We not only learned lots about school and about life but we really enjoyed it. He was a very dedicated and caring teacher. I am very grateful I to have been in his class. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

~ Kirsten Elsie

I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. My condolences to the Flanagan family! Mr. Flanagan was a fantastic teacher--one of the best. He was also an incredible support to my family during our time at St. Jude's. God bless his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him!

~ Ashley C. Elsie

My sincere condolences to the Flanagan family at this very sad time. Mr. Flanagan taught my daughters at St. Jude's and really made a difference in their lives. We sincerely appreciated his dedication, his kind and caring attitude and his wonderful sense of humour. He helped my girls through a difficult time in their lives and we will always be grateful. Please know you are in our hearts and prayers.

~ Veronika Elsie

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