Richard Jeffrey Flinn II (Q.C.)

July 27, 1929 - December 22, 2020

His prayers answered, the late Mr. Justice Jeffrey Flinn passed away peacefully in his own bed in his home of 60 years. He spent his last day surrounded by family and some of his "Inner Circle" of friends. It was a remarkable tribute to how he lived.

Jeffrey was a son of the late R.J. Flinn, Q.C. and the late Agatha Flinn, both of Halifax. He was the eldest of nine children, of whom three survive, Jean (Richard Coyle), Monica (William Mcdonald) and Peggy (Louis Dursi) all of Halifax.

Jeffrey was born in Halifax July 27, 1929. He attended St. Thomas Aquinas Elementary School and St. Mary’s College High School. He graduated from St. Mary’s University and subsequently Dalhousie Law School in 1953 with an LLB degree. He served his articles with John H. Dickie, Q.C. and the Legislative Council of Nova Scotia. Upon admission to the Bar of Nova Scotia, he became Departmental Solicitor with the Attorney General. In 1954, he accepted the invitation to practice law in London, Ont., where he joined Jeffrey and Jeffrey and subsequently Robarts, Betts, Mclennan and Flinn. In 1970, he was appointed Queen’s Counsel.

In 1981, Jeffrey was appointed by the Government of Canada to be a Judge of the County Court, which subsequently became The Superior Court of Ontario, where he served as Justice until mandatory retirement. He bristled with rage at the very mention of ’mandatory retirement’ thereafter! He joined the roster of ADR Chambers, a National Canadian Alternative Dispute Resolution Group, and The Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC), a disciplinary organization for Canadian Investment Dealers.

Very interested in the affairs of the City of London, Jeffrey served as Director, Chair or as President of several organizations amongst which were: The London Township Committee of Adjustment, Family and Children’s Services (The Children’s Aid Society),

The London Chamber of Commerce, King’s University College, University Hospital, London Hunt and Country Club and The London Club. He was a member of The London Teaching Hospitals Council and The Thames Valley District Health Council. He was Director of The John P. Robarts Research Institute and the Western Fair Association.

Jeffrey was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Marilynn E. Flinn (nee Johnston of London). Jeffrey and Marny resided all 61 years at their beloved RR No. 6 London, where they enjoyed many adventures and many friends. They loved to entertain and were blessed with a circle of friends like no other. Jeffrey fondly retold stories of early trips with friends where he and Marny learned to downhill ski. Skiing became a family sport and the basis of many multi-family trips. Residing next to Fanshawe Park, the Flinns enjoyed hiking, biking, sailing and cross-country skiing together. Jeffrey was a committed golfer, enjoying the game, the comradery, and the competition. Labrador dogs were a family passion. Finn, was the last of these loyal friends.

Jeffrey is survived by his two children, Richard Jeffrey (Suzanne Graham) of Cambridge, and Mary (Alan Hickey) of London. Jeffrey was devout and a dedicated family man. He was "Papa" not only to Jeff and Mary, but to his nieces, Jennifer and Dee-dee, and dear brother-in-law to Nancy Swinarton. Jeffrey believed in fostering the next generation and was always curious about the activities of and opportunities for his grandchildren: Alexandra, Andrew, Paul, Kaitlin, David and Matthew. All will miss his attention, his guidance, his positivity, and his sense of humour.

As many of his generation, Jeffrey possessed a unique pride, toughness, and determination. He was an eternal optimist. Jeffrey was a mentor. He took particular interest in young lawyers and thoroughly enjoyed sharing his unabashed love of the law. He remembered names and details about people and always had time to chat. He loved good conversation. Jeffrey was clever, respectful and a consummate gentleman who possessed a collection of self-tie bow ties. He communicated regularly with his sisters in Halifax and stayed current on home city events. True to his Halifax roots, Jeffrey appreciated music and loved to dance. He will be missed immensely.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Many thanks to Father James Mockler.

In lieu of flowers, donations would gratefully be accepted at The John P. Robarts Research Institute, London and London Health Sciences Foundations

Jeffrey and his family wish to thank Mary Wellman and the staff at Medical Priorities. Heartfelt thanks to Maria, Fe, Ronke and Deepa and to Rosalynn Walsh, RPN and Sara Renouf, NP. We are eternally grateful.