The obituary notice of John Fitzgerald FLYNN

A Few Words for John
John and I got on remarkably well right from the start — which, if you'd seen the two of us side by side, might come as a surprise. We did share one thing no family history could explain: neither of us had a single hair left on our heads. So, while other in-laws swap fishing tips or football scores and the like, John and I would compare notes on the latest hairstyle trends. Strictly theoretical, of course — neither of us had used a comb in decades.
John looked after his sister brilliantly, always keeping an eye out for her. Early on he carried out his own thorough investigation into my suitability — and having satisfied himself, he made me a very generous offer: £600, to be split three ways between him and his brothers, to take Julie off their hands. I'm still waiting for the money. What I got instead was priceless — a lovely wife, and three brothers I never once felt like an outsider among. That was John all over: fierce loyalty, dressed up as a joke.
He loved animals, and they loved him right back — a bit too enthusiastically, at times. Our dog Lola had a particular fondness for my head, purely for the salt, you understand. I thought I had that market cornered, until I discovered I had serious competition from John. When Lola got a bit too keen with him, he thought it was the funniest thing in the world, and never once let me forget it.

There's one thing everyone will agree on, John was quick, sharp, and very funny — and I've no doubt he'd have had something cutting and hilarious to say about all of us.
John will be sadly missed. But I'll always be grateful for the £600 I never got, the wife and three brothers I did, and a friendship I wouldn't trade for anything. James M

John left us far too soon, but lived life to the full while he was here. Thank you for the love and laughs, the support and the life of memories. We love you, we miss you and we will never forget you. Rest in eternal peace, our lovely brother with mom, dad and together with the rest of our loving family who have passed before you.

We’re so sorry for your loss - thinking of all who knew and loved him.

Derek & I were blessed to live with John briefly, just before he met and fell in love with Penny.

What a privilege it was to have a front-row seat to their love story. How brave they both were to trust their hearts and jump into love at jet speed and, on reflection, how wise they both were to do so.

During our time living together, we introduced John to the late, great Steve Irwin, the joys of Test cricket and, most importantly, helped him to stop doing an Australian accent.

In turn, he drove us to away games to watch our beloved Aston Villa.

One of my favourite memories of John is when a service station attendant asked if he was off to watch Aston Villa play Blackburn when he was filling up. John asked if the guy had picked up his accent.

By all accounts, the guy looked at him like a idiot and pointed to the game tickets protruding from his top pocket.

John couldn’t wait to relate the story to us when he returned to the car, and he laughed so hard at himself. That was such a lovely thing about John.

We wish for so much more for John, and so much more time with him, but oh, what fun and mutual fondness we had.

We miss you, dear friend.

Love,
Mel & Decca in Australia

In loving memory of John. The very best of friends.
Matt, Mel and Bram xx