John Flynn, director of ‘Rolling Thunder’ (1977) and ‘The Outfit’ (1973), among other films, passed away in his sleep on Wednesday, April 4. A longtime resident of Rustic Canyon, Flynn is survived by a son and daughter. A Coast Guard veteran, he studied journalism under ‘Roots’ author Alex Haley, and graduated from UCLA with a degree in journalism. ‘He was the dearest man,’ said Joan Graves, a longtime friend and fellow community activist. ‘We met in the mid-1980s trying to get support for non-use of gasoline leaf blowers. He was very strong but in such a quiet way. When he said he’d do something, he’d do it.’ ‘He leaves a large hole in my heart and a grieving daughter in Paris who is soon to give birth and was expecting him to be there for her,’ said George Wolfberg, chairman of the Potrero Canyon Citizens Oversight Committee. ‘His contributions to our community, unrelenting interest in the betterment of Rustic Canyon Park as well as concern for Veterans’ issues were always positive, constructive and continuous over the time I have known him.’
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
