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Welshman of the Year – Chris Flynn

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Picture Caption:   Remarks by Dr. Richard M. Loomis (left ) — Chris Flynn (right)

This is a first for us. As The Welsh Cultural Endeavor of Northeastern Pennsylvania is not a society and has no members, we do have a lot of supporters, donors, and people who dedicate an enormous amount of time, thus making this non-profit, pure public charity, cultural organization a success. After over 8 years in existence, we have something to show for ourselves and to the Welsh community both locally and abroad. We pride ourselves as being the regions most progressive Welsh ethnic awareness group of interested Cymry.

The Board of Directors decided that with this record, it was time to start recognizing those who have brought this ‘interest group’ to high achievement. In reality, no one person is responsible for our success, and it doesn’t really take any formal talent to perform difficult and sometimes frustrating tasks. We’ve come to realize that ordinary people can and do most often rise to the occasion, only to realize that they can contribute to something great and beyond what they ever imagined. These are the people who rarely make the mainstream press articles, receive shiny medallions and rarely are recognized for their efforts. Many times these are the people rarely seen, but it they who are the ones behind the scenes making sure everything performs to expectations.

The person this year to be recognized and honored is Chris Flynn, a resident of Shavertown.

Chris, however is no ordinary person. Chris did not start out well early in life. Being raised in an orphanage was more than a challenge and his formal education stopped at that point for the most part. For 40 years plus Chris was an auto mechanic; he could change out an engine, install ball-joints, diagnose electrical and fuel systems with regard to engines and rebuild transmissions. In later years Chris turned his attention to recreational marine products such as boats, motors and trailers where he caught on to the vast differences of operation in the marine environment. When the repair manual suggested one method, Chris could usually figure out another more logical approach to solve a problem. When Chris ‘formally’ retired from full time employment, he kept his himself busy repairing autos and boats when needed. But he didn’t stop there. Always longing for knowledge on subjects that interested him and being denied a real formal education, Chris set out on another path despite caring for his ailing and long time wife Barbara of 40 years. She sadly passed away in 2011.

This time it was back to formal school to study the composition and make up of ‘gadgets’ that he loves to work with, namely computers. Studying full time during the past several years, Chris earned two Associates degrees, one in Network Administration and a second one in Network Administration and Security. Not stopping there he is pursuing his third Associates degree, this time in Computer Science & Programing. Chris has been an asset to his church dedicating much time to the technology aspect at High Point Baptist Church in Larksville and with their children’s programs and activities.

As for the Welsh Cultural Endeavor of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Chris has dedicated many late hours, week days and weekends directing mailers for fundraiser activities, preparing programs such as the Evan Roberts Revival Project titled Revival – Heavenly Inspired Holiness or Man Made Hoax ?, which was created by this organizational effort. At numerous Welsh gatherings, Chris was always working with us in some technical capacity. He still is!

Judging by the surname Flynn, it doesn’t appear to be too Welsh like most people here nowadays. But Chris is Welsh as he identifies that his grandfather, Mark Wilde, on mother’s side, emanated from Cardiff.

Despite enduring two serious heart attacks, in which one he drove himself to the hospital, he carries yet another full-time schedule without a hitch. What Chris won’t tell you is that his real badge of honor is being covered in grease and oil after successfully completing a complicated repair. But things do change!

Our hats off to you Chris – Welshman Of The Year and diolch yn fawr for all you have done!

 

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