Vince Flynn

Flynn, Vince Ambushed by stage III metastatic prostate cancer in November 2010, author Vince Flynn fought for life as tenaciously as the characters he created, but closed the final chapter with peaceful surrender on June 19, 2013. He was fortified by 35 of his family, friends and clergy--who had his back. Vince was born April 6, 1966 in St. Paul. He proudly graduated from The Saint Thomas Academy and he earned a B.A. in Economics from the University of St. Thomas in 1988. His parents are Kathy (Dorle) Flynn, a renowned wildlife artist and Terry Flynn, a beloved high school teacher, coach and businessman. They now reside in Diamondhead, Mississippi and Apple Valley, Minnesota. Vinnie said he was blessed to be born into a large Irish Catholic story-telling family. He is survived by six siblings: Tim (Ann) Flynn of Apple Valley, Pat (Lisa) Flynn of Orono, Kevin (Michelle) Flynn of Lakeville, Dan Flynn (Jayne Chromik) of Eagan, Sheila Flynn (Mark Scheuer) of Savage, and Kelly Flynn of Apple Valley, as well as, 18 nieces and nephews. Vince will be missed by his large extended family, millions of loyal fans, and his friends in the publishing industry. During his distinguished but all-too-short career Vince published 14 action-packed thrillers which soared to the top of the New York Times Bestseller List (preceded by 69 rejection letters, all of which he saved). In spite of his illness he continued to work on his 15th novel and was in negotiations for a movie production. His entertaining personality made him in demand as a frequent guest on local and national radio and television programs. His talent for cultivating anonymous sources and gleaning knowledge about the inner workings of The Intelligence Community earned him respect on an international scale. He was told he was the most-read author at the Pentagon. Though he dined with presidents and kings, Vince remained close to his Minnesota roots, by coaching, serving on various boards and fundraising for his favorite charitable causes--especially his church, his alma maters and U. S. troops support. But his pride in those accomplishments was overshadowed still by his love for his wife Lysa whom he described as "My favorite thing about life," and their children Dane "Danger" (17), Ingrid "Ingy" (12), and Ana "Fluffy" (10) who fueled his creativity and inspired him to "keep the faith." Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a. m. on Monday, June 24, 2013 at the Cathedral of St. Paul, 239 Selby Avenue, St. Paul. Family and friends may visit from 9:00-10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral. Memorials in Vince's name may be gifted to The Saint Thomas Academy at 949 Mendota Heights Road, Mendota Heights, Minnesota 55120. Electronic messages may be posted at: VinceFlynn.com/…. Cards can be sent to Vince Flynn Memorial P.O. 50676, Mendota, Minnesota 55150-0676.

Published on June 21, 2013