Father Kevin Flanagan, 89, died last week, five months after retiring from 54 years as a priest, the past 40 at North Albury.

At the concelebrated mass, community members from all ages and backgrounds applauded speakers, welcomed each other and looked after those feeling the summer heat – care that no doubt would have met Father Flanagan’s approval.

Chief celebrant Father Brendan Byrne said those present were united by their love and respect for a man whose vocation and character intertwined.

“His humanity was totally priestly and his priesthood was totally human,” Father Byrne said.

Father Flanagan’s ability to connect with all people, regardless of circumstances, became a key theme of the tributes.

Family member William Lally, delivering the eulogy, said the priest’s parents ingrained five principles – faith, strong work ethic, the importance of education, active participation in sport and community and a general concern for others less fortunate.

These values guided Father Flanagan throughout his decades of service, with his rural upbringing in Tocumwal also influencing his ministry.

“My love of God had a practical edge,” he said once.

“In that being reared in a small country town, everyone’s lives were of value and sport and social life figured just as easily into my concept of God.”

Father Flanagan’s hobbies included many sports, especially canoeing, with Father Bernie Moylan describing the Murray River as his friend’s lifeblood.

“The river was his cathedral, it was where he came closest to God,” Father Moylan said.

But people remained Father Flanagan’s main interest.

“It was a fascinating, albeit frustrating experience to accompany him on any outing,” Father Moylan said.

“Constant waving, constant stopping and constant cheery banter.

“His was a ministry of welcome, not exclusion; he worked with people as they are, not as they ought to be.”

Police formed a guard of honour as Father Flanagan’s coffin left the church and outside St Anne’s Primary School and Xavier High School, about 100 students assembled in uniform as the procession passed by. 

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