Remembering Tom Flynn

Richard Thain

In the early 1980s, I discovered Paul Kurtz and then Tom Flynn (and other fine people in Amherst, NY) shortly thereafter. In attending our conferences, giving lectures, and providing strategic guidance for over thirty years, Tom inspired us and helped build the the Centre for Inquiry Canada, the Humanist Association of Canada (now Humanist Canada), as well as other regional Canadian humanist associations. Canadian friends who had met Tom would always say with pride, “He is a great guy. Incredible!”

When I read Tom’s writings over the decades — whether it was in Secular Humanist Bulletin or Free Inquiry — or heard him speak, I felt he was expressing my thoughts and opinions … only more eloquently. I learned much from Tom and he influenced me profoundly.

It was a true pleasure having Tom stay with us in our home, when he came to give public lectures, sponsored by Humanist Ottawa. While descending the stairs, heading to do some work in my den, located in the basement, he would mumble something to the effect that he actually did not mind working in the basement, since he was, after all, a “troglodyte.”

I am grateful that he continually reminded everyone that the road we are on is not sustainable and that we must confront population growth, as our ever-increasing population continues to push our ecosystems toward calamity. When I first met Tom, there were about 4.8 billion people on Earth. As of last week, we have added more than three billion to our dismally overpopulated Pale Blue Dot. I think it is most appropriate that Tom dealt with this crucial subject in his last op-ed (Free Inquiry, Aug/Sept 2021). He urged us (again!) to confront the problem of overpopulation and find solutions as soon as possible, as time is running out. His final sentence in the op-ed: “Wish us luck.”

Losing Tom is extremely sad and a great loss. I extend my sincere condolences to Sue, and to all of Tom’s relatives, friends, and colleagues. Tom Flynn’s contributions are enormous, and he leaves an astonishing legacy. We now must face the reality of trying to overcome humanity’s challenges, in our troubled world; a world without this rational, wise, witty, compassionate curmudgeon; a world without our friend, teacher, and inspiration, Tom Flynn. Wish us luck, indeed.

Tom in 2019.

Tom Flynn at a Humanist Canada conference held at Carleton University, Ottawa, many years ago. Co-hosted by Humanist Ottawa. Tom is in the back row … sixth from the right.