We met at Newport Beach in 1960 when we were both high schoolers playing beach football, then we both were on the same dorm floor our first year at college,  becamew close friends, began ROTC , graduated in 65 with commissions ready for Vietnam....   Ron was without peer for his courage and determination in ROTC which served him well as Airborne Ranger Pathfinder in Vietnam, and as a great leader.   We stayed connected after the war and for years met for lunch in Long Beach with a couple other college friends.   Ron's GENUINE character and positive attitude was an influence and role model all my life..... I know when we meet again in the great beyond we will salute each other before a big hug.   A truly memorable individual of purpose and humility.    
Phil

On this one year anniversary of your passing Ron, you are still greatly missed and loved ❣️

Always,
Jeanie

I remember the day we met. As the incoming Brigade Commander then Colonel Flynn called a staff meeting. To introduce himself and lay out his expectations of his full time staff. Needless to say I did not think I would be staying under his command for long.
Well 20 years later I can truly say staying turned out to be a great decision for me and my family. 
I became his driver, promoted and received responsibility and awards during my time under his command. 
Over the next 20 years we worked closely building and maintaining youth programs with and finally for the LAUSD. 
General Flynn and I became close; along with Rick Bain and Elsa Morales. The four of us became a second family. The General and I shared every aspect of our lives with each other, went to each other’s houses; he knew my wife and children well. 
General Flynn was as closer to me than my own father. 
I am sad to hear of his passing and will forever cherish the memories of my dear friend!
I pray you rest well!
SGT Richard Butler

I had the pleasure of working with General Flynn at LAUSD Angel Gate Academy. He was my boss and confidant he counseled me when I was in my darkest moments and always gave me his advice and support. He would always laugh so hard with my stories of my Mexican family. I have beautiful memories of my General. Forever in my heart.

I am so proud to have worked with him while assigned to HHC 2d Bde 40th Infantry Division.   He was truly one of a kind.  A true hero.  I never had more respect for any other officer during the entirety my long Army career.   

             I have a rendezvous with Death 
                 At some disputed barricade 
When Spring comes round with rustling shade 
               And apple blossoms fill the air. 
             I have a rendezvous with Death 
  When Spring brings back blue days and fair.

Rest in Eternal Peace, Sir.   You will never be forgotten.

An exceptional officer and heroic soldier who served America and its Army with steadfast dedication, professionalism and a never-ending commitment to excellence.  A tough soldier, but a man with a big heart and a keen intellect.

I was blessed to be on a Pathfinder Team with then Lt. Ron Flynn. I have attached a photo of part of our General Support Team gathering on LZ Uplift prior to our Night Combat Jump in Vietnam in 1967. 
Rest In Peace my Pathfinder Brother.

To all friends and family members of my Hero and Idol, Ron Flynn, I offer my most sincere condolences.  I just found out about his passing yesterday 26 June otherwise, I would have attended his funeral service.  I met the General in 1967 in Vietnam. He was a 1st Lieutenant and leader of Pathfinder team 229th of the 11th Pathfinder Company, 1st Cavalry Division Airmobil.  He was a truly professional soldier.  A true leader and I am so proud to have served in his team of Pathfinders.  You can see more photos of him on pages 254 and 256 in the book, The Blackhats Vol 1.  The Pathfinders were called Blackhats due to their headgear.  We loved this man!
May he rest in peace and until we meet again!

I’m his son and my memories of him when I was 3 on were of a man who was larger than life and the only thing he was ever really good at was being a soldier and when I was flying for Cirrus Design Aircraft and we had to fly to support our semi for what we called truck shows Thom and I got there two days early and I got to take him flying in the Cirrus SR22 and he was thrilled and was enchanted with the panel, the moving map and all of its features and I loved showing him my expertise and what I’d accomplished and I knew I’d made him proud.   He and my Mom were a beautiful couple and he was a very handsome man

El Ropo will forever be my A team commander, my military mentor. Rest in peace Captain Flynn your mission on earth is complete, your new mission is just beginning. Condolences and sympathies to family and friends. I will ALWAYS remember the times, good and bad on our Green team A-4.

SGM (ret) Everett A (Jim) Bean
Bear Valley Springs Ca

We will miss Ron dearly and all our talks over the fence.  May he rest in peace.  Our prayers are with him and his family.
Mary Ann and Gary Sims

While I was then Col. Flynn's driver, I asked him why certain people were receiving medals.  I was basically repeating back the theory that it might be watering down the value of the medals.  

Col. Flynn looked me right in the eye, and said, "A medal doesn't do any good collecting dust on a shelf.  Sometimes we award them to recognize what a soldier did; sometimes we award them to help guide a soldier so he knows where to go."

That's solid leadership, and a solid leadership lesson.

So a couple of quick memories to add:

I was drilling with the HHC 1st BDE 40th ID (M) before I actually went to basic and AIT.  I ended up returning back home in late November/early December, and somehow found out that the drill was going to mostly be inspections.  I called in to the unit, assuming I would get ... I don't know, someone enlisted?  And then Lt. Col. Flynn answered the phone.  

I told Lt. Col. Flynn that I was back, and was hoping to skip the December drill; not much of an excuse behind it.  He didn't miss a beat - "Ehlers, sounds like you've had enough inspections for one year!  Call in so we know you're not dead, and we'll see you next year!"  I doubt many other officers would have reacted that way, but it showed what kind of leader he was ... 

My sincere condolences to the Flynn family
He was an outstanding soldier!
We both served in Vietnam and had many conversation about that war !
I met the General when he was a Major and the Commander of Company C 12th Special Forces
I served in that company! He was a gallant leader !
I admired him greatly 
I will miss him !
R.I.P. Sir
V/r
Don Sexton, 

Extremely sorry, due to my infirmities, to miss your internment General Flynn.   Rest in peace in God's presence with other heroes.  Truly an America patriot, a  great man, inspiring leader, courageous soldier and loyal friend to the end, we served with an under Ron, "El Ropo," as our Captain in Charlie Company, 12th Special Forces.  "Always take yourselves seriously men," his admonition, forever relevant, especially in these troubling times.  Fully qualified with the "greatest generation," he is missed.    Sal Sanders, CWO, AUS Ret.

Uncle Ron- one of my favorite childhood memories was when me, Brytt and Nicole would all go over to see him, Aunt Jeanie and the beagles for our fizzy parties.  We would go to the store and load up on whatever sugar for the week. We would roast marshmallows and get to stay up way too late in the Jacuzzi. We were spoiled and it was something we all looked forward to.  One thing that stuck out to me was how much he loved my aunt. He was always kind and soft spoken. He modeled a true gentleman. What a great example he was.  I’m so thankful for the memories we all shared ! I always felt welcome and always felt right at home. Thank you Uncle Ron!!! You will be greatly missed. 

-Sincerely , Mel




First and foremost , my heart and prayers go out to a man that I was blessed to have called my uncle through the marriage to my Aunt Jeanie. 
I have so many great memories of Uncle Ron but the one that carries my heart is the year that  I needed help with my teenage children . He was right there every step of the way.  He sent me some books and homework ( yuck ) that went with the books. At the time , I felt that I had no time to do it BUT Uncle Ron made sure that I did it. He pushed me through encouraging me not to  give up until it was completed. I'm extremely grateful for that ! Uncle Ron would also send emails to me throughout the years checking to see how I and the kids were doing. He was one man that was genuinely kind and cared passionately for so many people. He will be missed a great deal by all. 


Ron Flynn was a great guy.  We served together in the California National Guard.   He was my commanding officer in the State
Military Reserve (State Guard).  He was an outstanding soldier and patriot.  He will be missed by those who knew and served with him.
Rest is peace Ron.

Bill and Carolyn Hamilton
Rocklin, California

2001 or 2. Funeral of SFC Tom Petry.
L to R
COL Kurt Schlichter, COL Bill Wenger, BG (CA) Flynn, LTC Russ Smith, LTC Jon Hartwick 

Please accept my Condolences on behalf of myself, family and the California Military Department. BG Flynn was a former Commanding General of the CSG the picture of a Volunteer Solder. He was a personal influence on me. He led me into Special Forces when I came off Active Duty the first time. He was in the Arch of Sabers for my Wedding way back in 1980. I wish I had seen more of him in recent years. He and the family will be in my prayers for the loss of him and the repose of his soul.

Andre N. Coulombe
Brigadier General (CA)

Ron and I served with the Division for many years and both of us attended the Army War College  together in 1989-1990 with our spouses.  It was a great year getting together and we would go to dinner at our homes. He was a great soldier and will be missed by all who served with him.    Red and Ann  Silva 

I first met Ron orientation day my freshman year. We were in the quad. He had a football and immediately began organizing pickup teams. He was fast and could throw accurately. I was a walk on and  played four years. I always admired Ron and his leadership and relentless drive. God be with you.

Very sorry to learn of Ron's passing.  We were ROTC grads at SCU, Class of '65.  He lived 2 doors down from me in the dorm .... Here's my favorite memory of Ron:  Back in the day when we were 1LTs in Vietnam, Ron walked into my company's orderly room... looking to scrounge some beer for his 1st Cav unit, which was located a few kilometers up the road from us.  I hadn't seen Ron since graduation!   I had bad news for him  ...Our unit didn't have any beer either!... None!  ...There was a beer shortage all over Vietnam at the time... none available!  I think we had a Coca Cola together! ...Ron and his wife later visited us at our home in Monterey when he served as commissioning officer of new 2LT graduates some years ago at SCU... back in the late 1990s.    He was just a great guy... 

He was the finest Commanding Officer I ever served with. He was my friend and mentor.

His fellow warriors will great him at Heavens gates. 

“This We’ll Defend” 

Ron Flynn was always larger than life! Everyone who has met him recognized immediately that he was special in so many ways. As his nephew and a fellow Soldier, he was my closest confidant, greatest promoter and the best mentor anyone could ever hope to have. I already miss him a lot and miss our many years together. 

I’ll never forget the time I was at a family function and talking with Ron about how bad I  felt that I had let my son down. 
After asking me why I felt that way he told me that I needed to pat myself on the back because from what he had seen  I did a good job with him. 
Thank you Ron you will never know how much those words helped. 
Rest in peace, 
Angela Archer

I’m sure you’re dancing up a storm in heaven right now too!  Words cannot describe the hole left in my life with your passing but that’s only temporary. Until we meet again Frinnel ♥️

I’m saddened to hear of Ron’s passing just
prior to Easter Sunday.
We both finally had the “talk” that truly only veterans could surely understand. He
was visibly shocked to learn of the troubles
and atrocious behavior I encountered during my Navy Service 1978-1982. I told
him it was nothing until 11/04/1979 when Iranian Militants Seized the US Embassy. He immediately stood up hugged me withdrew and saluted me. “Really John, you
were there, really! I never knew that tell now, John!”  I explained my ship was the USS LaSalle Agf-3, the only painted white ship in the Navy.  In port right there in Iran.
He later sent me a very nice letter, thanking me for my service. We became better persons to each other after 
this. We both needed this just to heal from.
RIP Ronald B . Flynn BG (RET) CNG
We Love You and Thanks for Serving our Country for so long!


I am saddened to hear of the loss of the man I knew as Uncle Ron. I have fond memories of Uncle Ron.  Although I didn't see him often, I recall that the times I did, he ALWAYS had a smoldering, welcoming smile and was such a great encourager.  If I ever shared a hope or dream with him, he would always listen intently and, with that smile, say something to the effect of, "That's wonderful!" Or, "That's really great!" Those times ended with his cheering me on in whatever endeavor I shared and encouraging me to complete the work to accomplish it. He was thought of  in the absences between visits and, although it's been quite some time, I will continue to remember the man I knew him to be to me. May the God of peace be with all those he impacted and all who remain in the wake of this loss. May He draw them unto Himself in a way that brings repentance and salvation. To God alone be the glory.

Ron and I, each of us a 1965 Santa Clara grad, both entered active duty in the Army on the same date, August 9, 1965 and at the same place, Ft. Benning, GA.  We were there for 9 weeks in the Infantry Officers Basic Course (IOBC), Together Ron and I, along with about 200 others, completed the rigorous and very challenging 'Escape and Evasion" course.  I think it was the first and last time I was able to keep up with Ron in all things military.  He was the leader the motivator,  the inspiration for people like me who didn't feel we quite measured up.  With Ron's support, we did.  We all did.
Fred Lentz


Ron, you were always such a holly jolly guy. No wonder you made the best Santa EVER!  We will miss you!!



OBITUARY

Ronald Bernard Flynn

December 21, 1942 – April 8, 2023

Gates, Kingsley & Gates Smith Salsbury Funeral Directors

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