Rick Flynn

Rick Flynn (61) passed away unexpectedly on March 3, 2024. Born on October 7, 1962 in Midland Michigan, Rick grew up in Gladwin where his participation in high school band sparked a lifelong passion for music. Rick’s devotion to drumming found him as a member of the high school marching band and Honors Drum Ensemble. In addition, Rick participated in the state champion Saginaires Drum and Bugle Corps. After high school, Rick attended Central Michigan University, where he earned a Bachelor’s of Applied Arts degree in engineering and participated in the CMU marching band. Upon graduation, Rick moved to the Grand Rapids area where he worked in automation engineering for over 40 years. Rick was never far from music, however. He played in several classic rock bands in the Grand Rapids area, and he was a member of the West Michigan Blues Society. Although drums were his primary passion, Rick also explored playing the guitar, taking lessons and developing his own unique style. He was so full of life and always surrounded himself with people who loved being in his presence. He was a great girl-dad and girl grandfather. No matter what the project at hand he was happy to include his daughter, even if it meant slowing down the timeline. He modeled how to be an involved parent. Rick is lovingly survived by his partner and best friend , Evelynn Matelske of Grand Rapids; daughter Allison Flynn of Grand Rapids, who is expecting his second granddaughter; daughter Simone Westi Højte, son-in-law Kasper Westi Højte, granddaughter Frida Westi Højte of Copenhagen, Denmark, and his four-legged best buddie, Max. Rick is also survived by brother Pat Flynn (Darla) of Bloomer, Wisconsin; sister Carol Henson of Farmington Hills, Michigan; brother Mike Flynn (Janet) of Gladwin, Michigan; sister Mary Starnes (Denny) of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan; sister Katie Felke of Westfield, Indiana and 24 nieces and nephews. Rick is preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Darlayne Flynn and brother-in-law Jim Felke. A Funeral service will be held Friday March 8, 2024 at 1:00 pm at the Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance Rd NW where his family will receive visitors from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm . In lieu of flowers, donations may be made towards Rick’s grandchildren’s education.

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Rick Flynn

October 7, 1962 - March 3, 2024