Passing of Hound Patrick Flanagan'53

It is with broken hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Patrick Gerald Flanagan on September 29, 2019, at the Red Deer Regional Hospital. Dad was born in Medicine Hat on October 5, 1931, to parents Thomas and Julia Flanagan; the youngest of twelve children. At the age of 15, he attended Notre Dame College in Wilcox, Saskatchewan and played for the Notre Dame Hounds. He was the youngest hockey player in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League at the time. His time at the college would have a lasting impact on his life and he cherished those years. After Notre Dame, he headed east to St Francis Xavier University and obtained his Bachelor of Education in 1955. Dad had a brief teaching career in Prince Albert, Sk, then headed west to pursue a law degree from the University of British Columbia. After graduating in 1962, the family moved to Red Deer, Alberta where Dad practiced law for over 35 years. He was proud of the practice he opened and when he moved into his own building he chose the name carefully - Park Place – so he could legitimately claim to own one of the most expensive game board properties.

Dad married the love of his life, Catherine Mary (Biddy) Murphy, on August 12, 1961. They raised six children together. Dad loved spending time with friends and family: spending summers at the cabin in Sylvan Lake, family vacations filled with many adventures, Christmas with the Parkers, St. Patrick's Day parties, playing cards, time at the Legion and winters in Arizona. He loved to regale a crowd with his legendary storytelling and his dry, witty sense of humour. Dad was always willing to serenade the crowd with one of his many legendary songs.

Dad was an avid sports fan – he loved to watch most sports and enjoyed playing hockey and golf. He was an exceptional golfer and could humble you quickly in a putting contest. Dad was also a member of the Red Deer Golf and Country Club and its Presidents in 1971. He was also the President of the Alberta Golf Association in 1975. He cheered for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames, and Stampeders. He loved his New York Yankees the most!

Dad was very involved in his community and coached the Red Deer Midget hockey club during his early years in Red Deer. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and one of the founders of the local Crime Stoppers chapter.

Dad was a devout Catholic. He was strongly influenced by his Notre Dame mentor, Father Athol Murray, and lived his life by the motto, "To him who does what in him lies, God will not deny His grace".

Dad is survived by his six children – Patti, Dawn, Mary, Jamie (Kim), Dan (Judi) and Tim. His wife, Biddy, passed away on May 27, 2012. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren – Tricia, Mitchell, Kate, Samantha, Meghan, Cassandra, Brady, Spencer, Bryn, Quinn and Kenna and five great-grandchildren – Ava, Avery, Victoria, Londyn, and Hudson.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (6 McMillan Avenue, Red Deer) on Friday, October 4 at 1:00 pm with Reverend Les Drewicki, celebrant. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to a charity of their choosing.