Paul Flynn: A mountain of a man

Flynn The word "big" always comes to mind when you think of Paul Flynn. Not because of his size but because of his humor, ideas, generosity, determination and love for his fellow man. Everything he did, everything about him was "big."

It is with great sadness in our hearts that we dedicate this "giving column" to our past president and CEO, Paul Flynn, who passed away Sept. 18. If anyone knew the meaning of the word "giving," it was Paul and he knew how to inspire others to do the same.

Under Paul's leadership from 1997 to June 2007, the Southwest Florida Community Foundation grew in total assets from $13.8 million to $50 million. Grants and Scholarship distributions increased from nearly $800,000 in 1997 to $5 million in 2007.

More impressively, Paul was a true leader bringing together diverse communities and acting as a convener to find solutions to some of our communities' more pressing issues.

"Paul was a master at bringing people with varied interests and backgrounds together for the good of the community. He could always find the humor and the silver lining in any situation," said Julia East, Paul's successor as president and CEO of the Community Foundation.

Because of Paul's extraordinary leadership and determination after the devastating hurricane season of 2004, there is now a community-wide disaster relief and recovery plan in place. This plan brings together normally competing businesses in print and broadcast media and financial institutions to coordinate fundraising efforts to provide emergency relief to Southwest Florida in the event of a disaster.

"Paul didn't know the meaning of the word 'can't.' His philosophy was that if someone or some nonprofit agency needed help, he would find a way to help them. Paul was well-respected in the community and so was able to approach other sources and combine resources for help with difficult community issues," said Carol McLaughlin, former chief program officer of the Community Foundation.

"Last week, by happenstance, I was one of the fortunate few outside visitors to see Paul," said Donna Kaye, chair of the Board of Trustees. "It was a good day for him and we spoke of myriad things, one of which was the dedication of family and friends. How through his long and arduous journey, relationships had strengthened, bonds become closer than ever imagined, and how resilient the human spirit is. Seldom as we go through life do we know how our actions affect others; Paul through this journey was fortunate to see how far reaching his circle of friends extended. How the community he loved rallied around and honored him, and how the family he treasured supported and nurtured him, putting their lives on hold to ensure that his quality of life was the best it could be. That day we didn't know we were saying goodbye, we were just two dear friends enjoying each other's company."

"He was a mountain of a man, a giant in journalism and publishing. He was a giant as a father, who loved his four daughters and grandchildren so much that he made 'dates' with them to spend special time with each one, and came to bond with them in their own space. He was a giant as a husband who told his wife each day how much he loved her, thanked her for each meal she put before him and each thing she did for him for 47 years," said Johnny Sheppard, a trustee of the board and a close friend of Paul's for 12 years.

"A giant of a philanthropist with his own treasure, Paul inspired many. He came to know his faith quietly. Paul's never-ending faith in the cause of equality of all mankind — men and women of all races, creeds and colors — always led his actions."

"He fought the good fight, and in the last 18 months demonstrated a courage, persistence and wonderful attitude, that I have seldom seen, taking each day, each trial, fire and set back in stride," said Johnny.

Paul will forever be remembered for his generous heart and his quick Irish humor. He was a "big" man and we are all blessed to have known him.

The Southwest Florida Community Foundation has been supporting the communities of Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Glades and Hendry through endowed funds for nearly 32 years. With assets of more than $57 million and over 320 endowed funds, the Community Foundation has provided more than $30 million in grants and scholarships to the communities it serves.

For more information, call (239) 274-5900, or visit their Web site at www.floridacommunity.com.