Order Mourns the Passing of Former Deputy Supreme Knight

Members of the Order were saddened by the news of the passing for former Deputy Supreme Knight Ellis Flinn, who passed away on April 6 in Charlottesville, Va. He was 78.

Flinn served as deputy supreme knight for the Order from 1984 until 1997 when he retired. As deputy supreme knight, Flinn served as chief operating officer for the Knights of Columbus insurance program.

“Through his efforts as the chief operating officer for the Knights of Columbus’ insurance program during his term as deputy supreme knight, as well as his work prior to that as an actuarial consultant for the Order, Ellis Flinn contributed greatly to the success currently enjoyed by the Order’s insurance products,” said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. “He was a man devoted to his family, his community and his faith. He will be sorely missed and our condolences go out to his family.” Born in 1934, Flinn was a native of Woodward, Iowa. He graduated with a bachelor of science degree in actuarial sciences from Drake University in Des Moines, and was an Army veteran.

He was active in Father Justin Cunningham Council 11324 at the University of Virginia.

He is survived by his wife JoAnne; by his son, Kelton Flinn, his daughter Keri Flinn Smallie, their spouses, and several grand children.

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