It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rob Roy Flinn. Born March 1, 1927. He died at his home on June 22, 2022.

Rob is survived by his wife Bernarda aka Bennie and children, Scott, Sherry, Pam, two daughters from a previous marriage: Lora and Jennifer, sons-in-law Richard, Ron and Brent, daughter-in-law Renee. 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by both his brothers, Don Ell and George W. and his son-in-law, Frank.

Rob was 17 when he served during WWII in the Merchant Marines. After serving in the war, he hauled ice, worked in the oil fields, made money playing pool and drove cross-country on the back of his friend's Indian motorcycle. He found work as an airplane mechanic which led to a career as a commercial airline pilot; giving his family the opportunity to live in New York, Berlin, Germany(twice), WA, Maine and Hong Kong. He retired from Pan American Airways as a Captain and closed out his career at United Airlines to teach the newbies the Pacific routes.

He left his mark on his hometown of Steilacoom by being part of the original committee to preserve and improve Farrell's Marsh; often spending many hours with the group pouring over the plans laid out on his basement pool table.

Upon his retirement he bought a Cessna and flew around the Puget Sound area with an occasional jaunt down the coast to find a new golf course to play.

Rob enjoyed many sports from skiing well into his late 80's to tennis. He enjoyed cruising the San Juan Islands in his Ranger 20 with his wife and sailing friends.

Of all the sports, golf was his passion. Long-time member of Fircrest Golf Club, he rarely missed a Wednesday or Saturday (or any day that suited) playing with his Wednesday "Soup Group". From 1967 until 2007 he made 13 hole-in-ones. He usually shot his age or lower. He was always looking for the perfect swing!

Rob was an avid reader, followed politics, liked to find new recipes and healthier ways of preparing them. Hot sauce usually had a key role in many of his experiments, once saying he must have been born a little bland.
He played many instruments, but his trumpet will be the most remembered by his family, friends and neighbors who were often serenaded from his balcony on long summer nights.

Rob, Husband, Dad, Opa, Grandpa, Uncle: we will miss him and his eternal search for knowledge and the perfect game. Fairwinds Dad, see you at the 19th.