Deceased March 2, 2007
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In Memory
Richard B. Flynn, age seventy four, a longtime resident of Framingham, MA, formerly of Maine, died on Friday, March 2, 2007. A wonderful “time of visitation” was provided to celebrate Dick’s life where his wife of fifty-six years, Jean, and their three children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren came together with a host of friends in mutual support. Those who knew Dick at Amherst remember a personable, hard working, married student with a rich “down Maine” accent who loved that state the way Texans love Texas. All the more remarkable, they remain in awe of the fact that he entered Amherst already married with children, lived in the GI Village apartments, worked in Valentine Hall, manned the College switchboard and understandably had very little time for extracurricular activities. In his work as a telephone operator, he was supervised by a real campus personality (about whom, unfortunately, so little is known today) by the name of Maude Miner. She, as chief operator, not only gave Dick employment, but babysat, hosted his visiting parents and unquestionably pointed him in the direction of his life work, that of telephone company executive. In spite of all these demands, Dick graduated and headed for Boston and the telephone business.
Once employed, Dick became a spokesperson to the print, radio and television news media. Many of the queries he fielded involved controversial subjects such as service problems, rate increases, labor disputes, etc. The difficult task of being a corporate spokesperson was met with patience and good humor. As he matured in the business, Dick became so knowledgeable that he could often reply on a wide variety of subjects without having to say, “I’ll get back to you.” As a result, he was able to build instant credibility with reporters as professional and knowledgeable; not just another corporate mouthpiece. He was refreshingly blunt, and his occasional, “We blew it,” comment earned him, and the company, more credibility and understanding among the media.
Much of Dick’s work resulted in written documents, and in this, he was a master. Many suspected that his devotion to the cause of lucid English prose came from a careful study of the work of William Strunk, Jr. and E. B. White in their now famous book, The Elements of Style. Dick’s writing was so faultless that even its review by senior management, who all read documents with a twitchy pencil in hand, rarely resulted in any revisions. In his memory, may many more statements be made “in a positive form; to approach style by way of plainness, simplicity, orderliness and sincerity.”
Withal, professional success notwithstanding, Dick Flynn was a rare and unique individual who had charm and grace, plentifully salted with the hallmarks of his home state of Maine, which he loved dearly; as he did his wife and family—in every way possible and at every opportunity. We looked up to him as a man with the mind-set of “the road less traveled,” yet who always had time to send funny birthday cards, bear the ravages of disease with smiles, jokes and overall good cheer. His voice and words will never be stilled, and the better we’ll be for that.
Ray Frost ’43