1933 – 2016

LEWISTON — Robert C. “Bob” Flynn, 83, of Auburn, passed away Sunday, July 31.

He was born in Lewiston on May 20, 1933, the son of Lawrence J. and Katherine (McIlroy) Flynn. Bob graduated from Lewiston High School, where he was a standout athlete, leading teams to state titles in skiing, football, hockey and baseball. He had a professional career with the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball organization and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army.

On Aug. 25, 1956, Bob married Benita C. Weathern. After graduating from the University of Maine, Bob began a successful career in coaching at Bridgton High School, Thornton Academy and Lewiston and Edward Little High Schools before moving on to Bates College, where he coached for over 50 years.

During his tenure at Bates, Bob served as coach of golf, baseball, skiing, tennis and football. As ski coach, he was instrumental in the Bobcats’ move to Division I competition in 1972 and in bringing the 1976 NCAA Ski Championship to Maine. Bob embodied the essence of Bates College athletics and had a meaningful and profound influence on the people and student athletes with whom he worked.

In addition to his career at Bates College, Bob served as the director of Camp Susan Curtis for 17 years, where he positively impacted the lives of thousands of underprivileged Maine children. He also coached Auburn Suburban baseball and especially enjoyed working with the Little League All-Star teams.

Bob received many accolades over the years. He was inducted into the Auburn Lewiston Sports Hall of Fame, Maine Baseball Hall of Fame, Maine Skiing Hall of Fame and Bates Scholar-Athlete Society. He was appointed professor emeritus of physical education at Bates College and director emeritus at Camp Susan Curtis. He received the Al Card Sportsmanship Award, Bates College Athletic Department Service Award, Eastern Intercollegiate Ski Association Service Award, American Baseball Coaches Association Service Award and New England Intercollegiate Golf Association Award. This past fall, Bates celebrated Bob’s years of service to the college community by naming the Alpine and Nordic ski rooms in his honor.

Above all else, Bob was a devoted family man. A member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Auburn, he and Benita raised three girls together and were fully involved in the lives of their children and grandchildren, supporting them in all of their endeavors. Bob passed along his words of wisdom and his love of education, sports and music to his children and grandchildren.

Bob is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Benita; their three daughters, Rebecca Woods (Tucker) of New Gloucester, Susan Dorris (William) of Auburn and Elizabeth Flynn (Rylan Mims) of Rangeley; seven grandchildren, Heidi, Tyler, Zachary, Abigail, Jenney, Kaelyn and Emma; two brothers, Thomas Flynn (Arlene) of Auburn and James Flynn (Joan) of Lewiston; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Lawrence J. and Katherine Flynn; and two brothers, Lawrence Flynn Jr. and Brian Flynn Sr.

Friends and family are invited to share their memories or offer their condolences by visiting Bob’s online guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.