On the evening of March 3, 2021, Kelly Francis Flynn passed away after a dogged four-year struggle with cancer. Kelly ran the ranch and imparted his wisdom until his final day, then said he was ready to go Home. He was surrounded by family members at the time of his passing at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, MT.
Kelly was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Rose Flynn and his brothers Joel and Steven. He is survived by his wife Jill, his daughters Shannon (Lynn Reynolds) and Siobhan, his twin brother and best friend Kevin (Nora), brothers Gary (Theresa) and Bryan (Emulyn), sisters Loralee (Dave) Wilkey and Teresa (Dan) Artz, and sisters-in-law Peggy Flynn and Sharon Flynn.
Kelly was born and raised in Townsend, MT, where he worked hard on the family ranch, participated in 4-H, and began his life-time love with sports. The “Flyin’ Flynns” terrorized the basketball courts, and then Kelly went on to a stellar track career, which took him to Western Montana College and later to Denmark to run for several years, then to years of coaching Montana distance runners and training future coaches.
He came home from Denmark to teach but ultimately returned to the ranch and the mountains that he loved. With his father and brothers and later his wife and daughters, he developed a paradise for hunters, summer vacationers and family at Hidden Hollow Hideaway. Kelly believed firmly in his mission as a “temporary steward of the land”, and he worked tirelessly to create healthy forests, nurture productive fields, and protect the wildlife. The consummate cowboy and outdoorsman, he shepherded guests around the mountains on horseback, led hunters (laboring to keep up with his torrid pace) through the mountains in pursuit of elk, and regaled them with tales once back at the Hideaway Lodge. His puns and dadisms were epic, and he could always tell a story with expression, sound effects and drama, engaging many an audience.
Kelly’s love of the land, along with a strong desire to serve his community and state, led him to the Montana Legislature, where he served as a Representative from 2010 – 2018. He was proud of his work on conservation legislation and efforts to support his constituents, and he made many treasured friends in the process of serving Montana. He was a longstanding member of the Montana Outfitter and Guides Association, where he presided as President from 2000-2002 and spent his years working to promote the industry and preserve a hunting heritage for all Montanans.
Sports, speaking, and stewarding aside, though, Kelly’s greatest passion was for his family. He loved them fiercely and devoted himself to following and supporting his wife and daughters’ pursuits. Kelly taught his girls to raise a baby lamb, to ride a horse, to shoot a basketball, to doctor a calf… and ultimately to run a ranch. His greatest pride was watching their pursuits, from 4-H and sporting accomplishments when they were young to coaching, teaching and counseling professions when they were older.
In spite of the pain and adversity brought by the cancer in recent years, Kelly attacked life with the same competitiveness and drive he channeled into sports. His strength and grace during his battle was an inspiration to many, and he frequently noted he was “grateful for every day”. He truly lived the motto he imparted on the Legislative floor in 2017, during his sine die speech, when he said, “Remember the past, plan for the future, but live for today!”
We’ll be holding a celebration of life on July 23, 2021 at Hidden Hollow Hideaway, the place that Kelly loved most. In the meantime, please share any memories or stories about Kelly or lessons you’ll take forward from him or things you admire about him to kelly.flynn.memories@gmail.com.
Kelly believed strongly in individuals taking care of their community locally. He also steadily supported stewardship of the land and wildlife. In lieu of flowers, he would love for you to make a donation to a local charity of your choice that you believe will help educate, support, and uplift those in your own community or to a charity related to land stewardship. Let us know at the above address and include your memories.
Until we meet again, we will feel Kelly’s presence in the scent of the first green grass in the spring, in the echo of elk bugling in the fall and in the glow of every sunrise over the Hideaway.
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Patricia Knight says
We are very sorry to hear this. He was such a nice man.
David Wilkey says
Souls go no deeper than that of this man. This ‘birth’ we call ‘death’ won’t slow him down! Miss you Kelly.
Wilkey Loralee says
Families grow together!! Kelly and Kevin, those identical twins who we in the family knew definitely as distinctly different individuals, were never boring and not really quiet. One K may have been the ring leader but the other K would be his close associate in their adventures and sometimes misadventures. Four years older and back when I was taller and stronger-that was a long time ago- I may have sometimes been the obnoxious big sister; irregardless, I was allowed to collect baseball cards and play with the boys. But I wanted no part in the milking barn escapades . It has been joyful to watch Kelly grow.
Dan Neumann says
The best part of my Montana Elk Hunting trip last September was meeting Kelly Flynn. Between hunts, we had several enjoyable walks and he shared things he remembered about his past. We talked about his plans for the future, he said that he was a man of Faith. Kelly was making time each day to spend time with God and read The Bible. Kelly’s faith was trusting in Jesus as he gratefully lived each new today. When our time together at the ranch was ending, Kelly said if I don’t see you again in Montana, I’ll see you in heaven. I’m looking forward to that day!
Patrice Reinhardt says
I went to college at Western with Kelly. He was such a gentleman at all times and was greatly admired by everyone who had the pleasure of his friendship. One of the most vivid memories I have of Kelly was his love of the movie Jeremiah Johnson. One Halloween, he showed up at the WMC cafeteria in full Jeremiah Johnson regalia and jumped up on one of the tables. He certainly got everyone’s attention with that! He was a thoughtful and caring person and will be sorely missed by those of us privileged to know him. It’s comforting to know that he is in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and that he is healed and whole. My prayers are with his wife, daughters and family. May our Lord give you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
John Mundinger says
While Kelly served in the Legislature, I was employed at FWP, responsible for the first version of the elk plan and for the study that resulted in Habitat Montana. Kelly and I had several conversations about elk management. I always appreciated that Kelly was a gentleman. I also appreciated Kelly’s commitment to working collaboratively to develop elk management solutions that served the interests of both landowners and sportsmen.
May our Lord’s Spirit comfort Kelly’s family as they mourn his passing.
Steve Lantz says
Our family will miss Kelly and we send our prayers.
Bill Walker says
Kelly, I will miss your competitive spirit on the basketball court during all those Townsend tournaments. My only regret is that I never got to be on your team. God bless you and your family. Rest in peace.
John Bastian says
Definitely one of the good guys. I met him a few times in asking permission to hunt years ago, always a smile and a gentle welcome. Sorry I didn’t know him better, but the times we did meet will always be good memories. My best to his family.
Liz (Cruz) Hjelmseth says
My dad was the basketball coach in Manhattan when Kelly played ball in Townsend. Dad loved to tell a story about,the twins from back then. As the story goes, Kelly was the more aggressive player and was always in foul trouble. Dad would say it was always amazing how after the half Kelly settled down and Kevin became the one in foul trouble. When Kelly came to Manhattan to teach he did admit that they changed jerseys at the half. Dad loved that story and we all loved Mr. Flynn. He was fierce.
Denise M Moudree says
Thinking of Kelly and his family, and the life Kelly lived with so much passion. He truly LIVED.
Teresa Graham says
To the family of Kelly Flynn. I am so very sorry for your loss. What an amazing legacy he left not only his family but all of Montana. His love for the land was apparent not only in his work ethic but in his efforts as a lawmaker. I have fond memories of the dynamic duo on Broadwater County High School basketball floor. He lived well and will be remembered for all he did for his community and the state of Montana. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Teresa Graham
Gary Adams says
I was very sad to hear of Kelly’s passing. He was always a positive and caring individual.
Virginia J Court says
My sympathy to your family. Kelly and I became legislators and friends for the first time in 2010. Opposite parties but serving with Kelly on FWP committee was fantastic. He always listened to our proposals even tho he rarely voted our way. It was a very sad day for the entire legislature when Kelly announced his condition. One of my fondness memories will be the final HOUSE FWP party at Hidden Hollow Hideaway. Kelly was the all-around best host even tho struggling with his illness. Jean Price (may she meet up with Kelly) and I raise a toast to this grand fella and the ideal Montanan. Montana has truly lost one of the best.
Mike Burke says
Jill & Family,
Our sympathy to you and your family. We Montanans are appreciative of Kelly’s hard work and advocacy for our great state and all the things he did to make this place better for all. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Mike Burke and family.
Paul Kroeger says
A great person to rely on, who showed great grace towards me. May blessings be showered on the family. Love ,your friends, the Kroeger’s.
Richard Vollenweider says
My wife and I visited Kelly’s Hideaway several times and enjoyed our experience with Kelly and the Flynns. Kelly was truly a polished cowboy who gave his all to please you. We will never forget our time with him.